New Delhi, July 20: Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan formally administered the oath of office to newly elected members representing various political entities as the Monsoon Session of Parliament opened.
Among the newly inducted parliamentarians, Congress leader Pawan Khera officially joined the Upper House representing Karnataka. The Karnataka delegation was finalized after Khera, senior party leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Mansoor Ali Khan, and BJP representative M Nagaraj achieved unopposed election.
The swearing-in proceedings saw fresh representation across several states. National People’s Party member James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma took his oath representing Meghalaya. BJP leaders Dr Mukeshbhai J Rathwa of Gujarat, Mahesh Kewat of Madhya Pradesh, and Prakash Chik Baraik of West Bengal were also administered their oaths before senior secretariat officials.
In the Lok Sabha, initial proceedings were quickly derailed by widespread protests. The session commenced with obituary tributes made by Speaker Om Birla honoring deceased former lawmakers and foreign dignitaries, including Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, Omwati Devi, Sudhangshu Seal, Major General Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, KP Dhanapalan, Pyare Lal Sankhwar, and Qatar’s Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Following the obituary remarks, Opposition members moved into active demonstration, voicing demands for immediate debate on the NEET examination controversy and funds management at the Ayodhya trust. Speaker Om Birla appealed to the House to maintain order and allow normal business to resume.
“Please remain seated,” Speaker Om Birla requested, urging parliamentarians to cooperate. “Cooperate in running the House.”
With sloganeering persisting despite the appeals, the Speaker temporarily suspended Lok Sabha proceedings.
