Today marks the commencement of the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha, where a revitalized Opposition is preparing to confront the NDA government on multiple fronts. Key issues at the forefront include alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG and NET exams, as well as contentious appointments within the parliamentary hierarchy.
The session will kick off with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath to Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJP as the pro tem Speaker. This appointment has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, particularly for bypassing Congress stalwart Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term MP.
Responding to the backlash, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision, emphasizing the procedural role of the pro tem Speaker in overseeing the oath-taking process and facilitating the election of a new Speaker.
Meanwhile, amidst these political maneuvers, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging corruption and malpractice in the conduct of national entrance exams. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress chief, has accused the National Testing Agency (NTA) of serving partisan interests aligned with the ruling BJP and RSS.
In a move to address the uproar, the government has taken steps to quell the controversy by replacing the NTA chief and forming an expert committee aimed at proposing reforms to the examination system.
As the session progresses, tensions are expected to escalate, with MPs from various blocs gearing up for symbolic protests and legislative challenges, setting the stage for a dynamic and contentious start to the parliamentary term.
