PM calls for new beginning as 15th LS convenes

New Delhi, Jun 1: Calling for a 'new beginning' Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh entered the Parliament House on Monday, Jun 1 for the first session of the 15th Lok Sabha. He also stressed on the importance of smooth parliamentary proceedings and respecting the opposition.

"I sincerely hope we will make a new beginning and that Parliament will be allowed to run smoothly... the dialogue... discussion, and reason will prevail in our proceedings and we will give all due respect to the opposition in discharging their responsibility," Singh told scribes before entering Parliament. Manmohan also said the new session should be a new avenue of parliamentary democracy.

Manikrao Gavit, the senior most Lok Sabha member, who was appointed by the President Pratibha Patil as Protem Speaker, presided over the oath taking ceremony of the Parliamentarians.

A nine-term Member of Parliament, 75-year-old Gavit will perform the duties of the Speaker till the election of a new Speaker on Jun 3. Pranab Mukherjee, leader of the House was the first member to take oath. He was followed by Leader of Opposition L K Advani.

OneIndia News