Lok Sabha Session to Begin Tomorrow Amid Row Over Mahtab’s Appointment as Pro-Tem Speaker

New Delhi: The inaugural session of India’s 18th Lok Sabha commences Monday, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary term.

The agenda includes oath-taking by newly elected members, the Lok Sabha Speaker election on June 26, and President Droupadi Murmu’s joint address on June 27.

Controversy has arisen over the appointment of BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker, with opposition parties questioning the decision. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the choice, citing Mahtab’s seven consecutive terms in the Lok Sabha.

President Murmu will administer the oath to Mahtab as pro-tem speaker at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The session will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking oath first, followed by ministers and state representatives over the next two days.

The Speaker election is scheduled for Wednesday, after which the Prime Minister will introduce his council of ministers to the House. President Murmu will address the joint session on June 27, with the Motion of Thanks debate starting June 28. The Prime Minister is expected to respond to the debate by July 2 or 3.

Following these proceedings, the parliament is set for a brief recess before reconvening on July 22 for the Union Budget presentation.