advertisementDuring the exchange, Rijiju sought the cooperation of newly-elected Opposition MPs to ensure the Parliament session ran smoothly, with Ramesh calling the minister to "walk the talk".
It all began when Rijiju said he would always be available to assist the members and looked forward to coordination from Opposition members to ensure the session ran smoothly.
"The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024.
Calling for a "peaceful" and "productive" Parliament session, Rijiju said, "Today, as new honourable MPs pledge their commitment.
However, Ramesh hit back at Rijiju and took a dig at him, saying, "Thanks Mr Minister.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh were involved in a war of words ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, setting the stage for what is expected to be a stormy session where the Opposition is expected to flag issues, including the NEET row and the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro tem Speaker.
advertisement
During the exchange, Rijiju sought the cooperation of newly-elected Opposition MPs to ensure the Parliament session ran smoothly, with Ramesh calling the minister to "walk the talk". Rijiju responded and said he could be a valuable asset if he contributed to the House. The Congress leader then hit back with a reference to the grading system of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is in the eye of the storm over the conduct of NEET exams.
It all began when Rijiju said he would always be available to assist the members and looked forward to coordination from Opposition members to ensure the session ran smoothly.
"The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the newly elected honourable members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I'm positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house," Rijiju tweeted.
Calling for a "peaceful" and "productive" Parliament session, Rijiju said, "Today, as new honourable MPs pledge their commitment. I am reminded of the immense responsibility ahead. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi ji, let us together work relentlessly for our nation's progress."
Rijiju's appeal drew a response from Ramesh, who asked the Union Minister to "walk the talk". "Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the talk," Ramesh tweeted.
In response, Rijiju agreed and called Ramesh an "intelligent member" and said he would be a "valuable asset" to the Lok Sabha if he contributed positively during the new Parliament session.
"Absolutely @Jairam_Ramesh ji. You are an intelligent member and you will be a valuable asset to the house if you contribute positively. Differences will remain amongst political parties in Parliamentary Democracy but we are united in our service to the nation. Looking forward to your cooperation in maintaining India's rich Parliamentary traditions," he said.
However, Ramesh hit back at Rijiju and took a dig at him, saying, "Thanks Mr Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks?"
FIRST PARLIAMENT SESSION AFTER ELECTIONS
The Parliament session, the first since the Lok Sabha elections, will see newly elected MPs taking oath, followed by the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker on June 26 and President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of both Houses on June 27.
The Opposition, buoyed by its increased numbers, is expected to be combative, focusing on issues such as alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG and NET exams, the relocation of statues within the Parliament complex, and the government's decision to appoint seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker.
The 264th Session of the Rajya Sabha will also begin on June 27, and the joint session will conclude on July 3, resuming for the monsoon sitting on July 22.
