Session starts today; Paswan JDLP chief

NEW DELHI, March 22: The newly-constituted 12th Lok Sabha will commence its first session tomorrow to enable Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government to seek a vote of confidence.

The motion seeking confidence of the House will be moved by Vajpayee on March 27, which will be followed by a two-day debate. The first two days of the session – March 23 and 24 – have been set apart for oath by the new members.

President KR Narayanan has appointed former Home minister Indrajit Gupta as pro tem Speaker Gupta, in his capacity, will administer the oath to newly-elected members. A new Speaker will be elected by the members on March 24.

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The President will address members of both the Houses of Parliament on March 25.

Meanwhile, Ram Vilas Paswan was today elected leader of Janata Dal parliamentary party.