Before the commencement of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media today, celebrating that the oath taking ceremony would take place in the new Parliament building for the first time.
Modi congratulated all the newly elected Members of Parliament and termed the formation of this Parliament as a means to fulfil the resolutions of the common man of India. He said that the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha is to realise the goal of building a developed India by 2047.
Emphasising that the grand conduct of the world's largest election where 65 crore voters participated is a matter of pride for 140 crore citizens. The Prime Minister expressed his delight to serve for a third term, noting that this opportunity has come after 60 years.
“In the last 10 years, we have tried to establish a tradition because we believe that a majority is required to run a government but consensus is extremely important to run a country”, the Prime Minister said. At the same time, he added that the government has constantly endeavoured to serve Maa Bharat by achieving consensus to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore citizens together.
Underlining the need to ‘take everyone along’ and ‘speed up decision-making’ within the scope of the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister expressed joy that many young MPs are taking oath in the 18th Lok Sabha. He further explained the significance of the number “18” according to Indian traditions and Hinduism. He also mentioned that India’s legal voting age is 18 years and that the 18th Lok Sabha is the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India
The PM pointed out tomorrow's date of 25 June 2024, noting that it marks 50 years of emergency rule and stated that it represents a black mark on Indian democracy. PM Modi exhorted citizens to take the resolution to protect India's democracy and democratic traditions so that such an event never arises again. The Prime Minister said, “We will take the resolution of a vibrant democracy and fulfil the dreams of the common people according to the Constitution of India.”
Touching upon the role of the opposition, PM Modi said that the people of the country expect them to play their role to the fullest while maintaining the dignity of democracy. “I hope that the opposition will live up to it,” he added.
Speaking about eradicating poverty, the Prime Minister said, “The people of our country, 140 crore citizens, do not hold back in working hard. We should provide them with maximum opportunities.”
The Prime Minister pledged that in its third term, the government would work three times harder than before and bring three times the results. He further urged all the MPs to use this opportunity for public welfare, public service and take decisions in public interest.
