New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha as a milestone for Indian democracy, stressing the significance of holding the swearing-in ceremony in the new Parliament building for the first time post-independence.
The Prime Minister welcomed the newly-elected Members of Parliament, extending warm greetings and best wishes on this historic occasion. “In Parliamentary democracy, this is a glorious day…For the first time after independence, swearing-in ceremony is taking place at our own new Parliament building,” Modi said.
“It used to happen in the Old Parliament building. On this significant day, I extend a hearty welcome to all newly-elected MPs, extend them greetings and best wishes,” he added. His speech came as President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered oath to BJP member B Mahtab as ‘speaker pro-tem’ of the newly-constituted 18th Lok Sabha.
A seven-time MP, Mahtab, along with a panel of chairpersons is tasked with running the proceedings of the Lok Sabha on Monday and Tuesday when winning candidates will take oath as members of the 18th Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, he will preside over the House when a new Speaker will be elected. Mahtab along with the panel of chairpersons was appointed by the president on June 20.
