Stormy Start to 18th Lok Sabha: Democracy in the Spotlight amid Heated Debate

The first day of the 18th Lok Sabha saw heated exchanges between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge over the 1975 Emergency and its democratic implications. Newly-elected MPs took oath amid opposition protests calling for the protection of democracy, with Modi emphasizing a need for responsible governance.

The inauguration of the 18th Lok Sabha was marked by intense debates on the parliament floor, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi clashing verbally with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge over the historic Emergency imposed in 1975. Both leaders made passionate speeches emphasizing the importance of democracy, with Modi terming the Emergency a 'black spot' on democratic values.

Throughout the session, 262 newly-elected MPs, including Modi, took their oaths while the opposition staged a protest within the Parliament complex. The INDIA bloc MPs held Constitution copies and shouted slogans calling for the preservation of democratic principles.

Addressing the media, Modi stressed that people seek more substantive debates rather than mere slogans, urging a cooperative environment in Parliament. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, vowed to hold the government accountable and resist any perceived attempts to undermine the Constitution.