On Day 1 of 17th Lok Sabha, Modi says, 'Vibrant Opposition important, it must rise above numbers'

On Day 1 of the 17th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only spoke about ‘new dreams and hopes’ but also insisted on crucial role of ‘vibrant Opposition’. “Today, a new session is starting, there are new hopes and dreams with the beginning of this session. Since independence, this Lok Sabha elections saw highest number of women voters and women MPs,” PM Modi said ahead of the inaugural session. Talking about the bumper mandate in the Lok Sabha Elections, the Prime Minister said that, “After several decades, a government has won absolute majority for the second term. People have given us the chance to serve the country again. I request all the parties to support the decisions that are in favour of people.”

The Prime Minister also elucidated on the crucial role Opposition. “An active Opposition, its role important in parliamentary democracy. In Parliament, we should forget 'Paksh', 'Vipaksh' and think about issues with 'nishpaksh spirit', work in larger interest of nation. I hope they will speak actively and participate in House proceedings,” PM Modi said. He also said that the elected lawmakers should move on from the poll verdict and focus on new work and rise above number game.

While several key Bills are on agenda, Day 1 and 2 of the inaugural session will see elected lawmakers taking oath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to take oath as he is the leader of the House. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has also got a special slot in the ceremony. Parliament’s rules make it compulsory for the lawmakers to take oath. As long as a member does not take the oath, he or she cannot participate in any business of the House, the rule says.

The passage of Union Budget and the triple talaq will be on top of the agenda for the government as the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha commences from today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing an all-party meeting on the eve of the first session, invited heads of all parties to a meeting on June 19 who have an MP either in the Lower House or the Rajya Sabha to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue.