The people of the country have given the BJP-led NDA a chance for the third time, and with this, “our responsibility increases threefold", prime minister Narendra Modi said ahead of the opening session of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday.

“I assure the countrymen today that with the experience of running the government twice, we will work three times harder in our third term. We will achieve three times the results, moving forward with this new mission,” he said.

Earlier in the day, president Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Bhartruhari Mahtab as speaker pro tem of the 18th Lok Sabha at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mahtab then administered the oath to the new MPs, including Modi who then posted this message on X:

“Proud to serve our nation. Taking oath as a Member of Parliament.”

Meanwhile, addressing mediapersons in the new parliament complex, the PM said: “Today is a proud day for parliamentary democracy, a day of glory. For the first time since independence, this swearing-in ceremony is taking place in our new Parliament. Until now, this process used to take place in the old House. On this significant day, I warmly welcome all the newly elected MPs, congratulate everyone, and extend my best wishes to all!”

Modi said that when the people of the country choose an alliance for a third term, it signified their acceptance of its intentions and policies. They had affirmed their trust in its dedication to the people, and “I express my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow citizens for the same”. Over the past 10 years, he said, he and his colleagues had continuously striven to establish a tradition because they believed that while a majority is necessary to run a government, consensus is crucial to govern a country. “Therefore, our constant endeavour will be to serve Maa Bharati with everyone's consent, taking everyone along, and fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore countrymen.”

He also remined the new members that the nation had great expectations from “all of us”. He urged all MPs to use this opportunity for public welfare and service, taking every possible step in the public interest. He also said that the people expected constructive contributions from the opposition.

“Despite the disappointment so far, I hope that in the 18th Lok Sabha, the opposition will play its role effectively and uphold the dignity of our democracy. I trust the opposition will live up to these expectations.

“In the House, the common man expects debate and diligence. People do not expect tantrums, drama, and disturbance. They seek substance, not slogans. The country needs a good and responsible opposition, and I am confident that the MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha will strive to meet these expectations of the common man.”