18th Lok Sabha’s Second Day Sees Historic Developments and Contentious Moments
New Delhi, June 25, 2024 — The second day of the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed unprecedented events and dramatic moments. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has re-nominated Om Birla for the position of Lok Sabha Speaker. In a striking turn of events, however, the Congress party decided to field its candidate, K. Suresh, after consensus efforts failed. This marks a historic deviation, as this is the first time in independent India’s parliamentary history that an election will be contested for the Speaker’s post. Traditionally, the Speaker has been chosen through unanimous agreement.
Tensions were palpable during the oath-taking ceremony. Asaduddin Owaisi, Chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) and MP from Hyderabad, concluded his oath with "Jai Palestine," igniting immediate uproar within the house. This gesture underscored Owaisi’s continued advocacy for Palestinian statehood, a stance that has often stirred controversy in Indian political circles.
Shortly after, Bareilly MP Chhatra Pal Singh Gangwar finished his oath with "Jai Hindu Rashtra," escalating the discord in the chamber. This chant echoed sentiments of the Hindu nationalist perspective, which has been a flashpoint in Indian sociopolitical debates, particularly in the context of India’s secular framework as envisioned in its constitution.
Adding to the high-octane atmosphere, nostalgic connections were evident as Aditya Yadav, cousin of Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, took his oath as the MP from Badaun. Simultaneously, Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav’s wife and MP from Mainpuri, also participated in the ceremony. The Yadav family remains a potent force in Uttar Pradesh politics, often commanding significant influence in parliamentary proceedings.
Veteran actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Hema Malini, representing Mathura, also took her oath of office. Malini, a seasoned politician and acclaimed film star, has consistently been a prominent figure in Indian politics, merging her celebrity appeal with legislative responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the NDA was expected to formally announce its nominee for the Speaker’s role, amidst ongoing debates and political strategizing. The backdrop of these developments is particularly poignant on the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, a dark chapter in India’s democratic history when civil liberties were suspended and political opposition was stifled. BJP leaders seized the occasion to criticize the Congress party, which had imposed the Emergency under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
As the session evolves, observers and citizens alike are keenly watching the unfolding dynamics of the 18th Lok Sabha — a testament to the ever-changing and often contentious landscape of Indian democracy.
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Source: Deccan Herald
