New Delhi

Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) from the INDIA bloc have reportedly decided against assisting pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab in administering oaths to newly elected Lok Sabha members. These MPs are part of a panel to help the pro-tem speaker perform his duties. As per reports, INDIA bloc MPs are irked by the appointment of BJP leader and seven-term member Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. The president allegedly overlooked the eight-time Congress MP K Suresh's candidacy.

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The president had suggested the names of five senior members to assist Mahtab, namely K Suresh (Congress), T R Baalu (DMK), Radha Mohan Singh and Faggan Singh Kulaste (both BJP) and Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC). But all of the opposition MPs on this panel will now not perform their duties.

INDIA bloc MPs to hold 'Constitution march'

Additionally, all INDIA bloc MPs will assemble at the famous Gandhi Statue in Parliament today (June 24) at 10:45 am ahead of the start of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. They have planned to hold a march to Lok Sabha holding a copy of the Constitution to deliver a strong message to the Modi Administration 3.0. 

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Before that, all Congress MPs are scheduled to assemble at 10 am in the parliament to formulate their strategy ahead of the session.

Day 1 session details

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Initially, all elected MPs will observe silence for a brief period ahead of the first session of the new Lok Sabha. After that, the Secretary-General will mention the names of all MPs in both Hindi and English in the house.

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After that, the oath-taking process will start where all MPs, including the prime minister and other members of the council of ministers, will make the affirmation, sign the roll of members and occupy their seats.

President Murmu is expected to address a joint session of both lower and upper houses on June 27. On June 28, the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address is due to start. Then, PM Narendra Modi is expected to respond to the debate on July 2.

(With inputs from agencies)