Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called upon the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha for establishing healthy and good traditions in the House to strengthen the democratic system. Addressing the House after the unanimous election of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Mr. Modi said that the country has emerged as a strong democracy and after a long time, 315 members have been elected for the first time as members of the House.

He said that it has given a better opportunity for establishing new traditions. Expressing gratitude towards members from different political parties for electing Sumitra Mahajan unanimously, he said it is a healthy sign. Underlining political achievements of Sumitra Mahajan, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the House will function in a proper manner.

Congratulating Sumitra Mahajan, leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge expressed hope that even smaller parties will be able to get protection of the chair in the House. He said that rights of each and every member will be protected under her chairmanship. AIADMK leader Thumbidurai, TMC leader Sudip Bandhopadhya, BJD’s Bharatruhari Mahtab, Shiv Sena’s Anant Gite, YSR Congress’s Rajmohan Reddy, SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, NCP’s Tariq Anwar, LJP’s Ramvilas Paswan and RJD’s Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur, TRS leader A P Jitendra Reddy and others also congratulated Mrs. Mahajan.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the members of his Council of Ministers to the House. Members who could not take oath yesterday did so today. Altogether 513 members had taken oath yesterday. Our Correspondent reports that the President will address a joint sitting of both the Houses on Monday.