The first session of the Parliament following the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced today with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bhartruhari Mahtab being sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker by President Droupadi Murmu. Mahtab’s appointment has drawn criticism from the Opposition who feel the move deviates from tradition. Mahtab will now administer the oath to Prime Minister Modi and approximately 280 newly elected MPs today. The remaining MPs, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, will take their oaths as members of the Lok Sabha tomorrow. The pro-tem Speaker, appointed by the President, plays a crucial role in administering oaths to new MPs and overseeing House proceedings until a permanent Speaker is elected.