In New Delhi, the inauguration of the 18th Lok Sabha session was met with various reactions from both the government and opposition parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the occasion as a milestone in India’s parliamentary system, marking the first time since the country gained independence that newly elected Members of Parliament were sworn in at the new Parliament building.
Despite the Prime Minister’s commitment to triple his efforts during his tenure, he also criticized the opposition, particularly targeting the Congress by recalling the Emergency declared on 25 June 1975 as a dark period for the Indian Constitution.
The Congress party, in turn, accused Modi of employing tactics to sidestep issues, arguing that the Prime Minister’s speech for the 18th Lok Sabha lacked any substantial new proposals.
Consensus is Key
Prime Minister Modi, speaking on the nature of coalition government in his third term, emphasized the importance of both a majority and consensus in governance. He highlighted the essential role of cooperation with allies and some opposition parties in realizing the nation’s goals despite the Bharatiya Janata Party winning 240 seats in the 543-seat Lower House, which is short of an absolute majority.
Modi pointed out that it is the second instance since independence that a government has been elected for a third consecutive term. This feat was not achieved in 60 years, underscoring this as a proud moment. He interpreted the election outcome as an endorsement of the government’s policies, intentions, and commitment, adding that the electorate expects meaningful discussions and diligence in Parliament rather than interruptions and theatricals.
Viksit Bharat by 2047
“People are looking for substantial outcomes, not mere slogans. There’s a need for a powerful, accountable opposition, and I trust that the members of the 18th Lok Sabha will rise to the occasion, fulfilling the expectations of our citizens,” said Modi. He stressed the collective responsibility to propel India towards development and uplift 25 crore citizens from poverty, inviting the opposition to join in the nation-building efforts.
Modi envisioned the Parliamentary sessions as crucial opportunities to fulfil Indian citizens’ aspirations and to construct a distinguished, developed India by 2047; among those taking their oath as Lok Sabha members were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. As opposition members voiced their objections over the NEET exam paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also was sworn in.
On the social networking platform X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister, characterizing him as a leader who had faced significant personal, political, and moral defeat in the Lok Sabha elections yet continued to deliver his usual address to the nation as the 18th Lok Sabha session got underway.