18th Lok Sabha session begins | Consensus crucial to govern, aim to take everyone along: PM Modi

In his customary pre-session address, Modi also took a swipe at the Opposition, particularly the Congress, by recalling the “dark chapter” of Emergency. Saying that “people don’t expect tantrums, drama and disturbance” but seek “substance and not slogans”, he added: “The country needs a good and responsible Opposition, and I am confident that the MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha will strive to meet these expectations of the common man.”

Of the 543 Lok Sabha members, as many as 280 are first-time MPs.

“Over the past 10 years, we have continuously strived to establish a tradition because we believe that while a majority is necessary to run a government, consensus is crucial to govern a country. Therefore, our constant endeavour will be to serve Mother India with everyone’s consent, taking everyone along, and fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore countrymen… We aim to take everyone along and expedite decisions within the framework of the Constitution,” Modi said.

Opp leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav on Monday. (PTI)

“Today is a day of pride in parliamentary democracy, it is a day of glory. For the first time after independence, this oath is being taken in our new Parliament, till now this process used to happen in the old Parliament. For the second time after independence, a government has got the opportunity to serve the country for the third time in a row… this opportunity has come after 60 years, which is a matter of pride… If the citizens of our country have trusted a government for the third consecutive time, it means they have given a stamp of approval to the policies and intent of the government,” he said.

“The people of the country have given us an opportunity for the third time. Our responsibility has increased three times… so I assure the countrymen that in our third term we will work three times harder and get three times the results,” he added.

Targeting the Congress, he said: “Tomorrow is June 25. For those dedicated to upholding the dignity of our Constitution and who believe in Bharat’s democratic traditions, June 25 is an unforgettable day. Tomorrow marks 50 years since a dark chapter was written into India’s democracy… The new generation of Bharat must never forget how the Constitution was completely disregarded, torn apart, and the country was turned into a prison, with democracy utterly suppressed. These 50 years since the Emergency remind us to protect our Constitution and democracy with pride. The countrymen must resolve that such a travesty will never be allowed to happen again. We commit ourselves to ensuring a vibrant democracy and fulfilling the common man’s dreams as outlined by the Indian Constitution.”

Saying that people have high expectations from MPs, Modi urged them to use this opportunity for public welfare and service. “In the House, the common man expects debate and diligence. People do not expect tantrums, drama and disturbance. They seek substance, not slogans. The country needs a good and responsible Opposition, and I am confident that the MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha will strive to meet these expectations of the common man,” he said.

“In the 18th Lok Sabha, we are pleased to see a significant number of young MPs. For those familiar with Indian traditions and cultural heritage, the number 18 holds great significance. The Bhagavad Gita comprises 18 chapters, imparting messages of karma, duty and compassion. There are also 18 Puranas and Upa-Puranas in our tradition. The root of 18 is 9, a number symbolising perfection. We gain the right to vote at the age of 18. The 18th Lok Sabha coincides with Bharat’s ‘Amrit Kaal’, making its formation an auspicious sign,” he said.

The session began on a confrontational note as the three Opposition members who were named on the panel of chairpersons to assist pro-tem Speaker and BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab — Congress’s Kodikunnil Suresh, DMK’s T R Baalu and TMC’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay — walked out when the oath-taking began to protest over his selection as pro-tem Speaker.

Earlier in the day, Mahtab was administered the oath of office by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Inside Lok Sabha, Modi was sworn in first even as Opposition members, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, waved copies of the Constitution. With Suresh, Baalu and Bandyopadhyay walking out, the other two members named on the panel of chairpersons to assist Mahtab — BJP’s Radha Mohan Singh and Faggan Singh Kulaste — were then sworn in, followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

After the entire council of ministers was sworn in, the process of swearing in the remaining members – state-wise – began. The exercise will continue on Tuesday as well.