First session of the 16th Assembly began in Bhopal on Monday. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, senior BJP leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Narendra Singh Tomar along with other MLAs took oath as Legislative members of the House on Monday. Several MLAs took oath and the ceremony will continue on Tuesday also. Senior most BJP leader Gopal Bhargava presided over the proceedings as the Pro-tem Speaker and administered the oath to the members. Followed by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar took the oath. Later, Deputy Chief Ministers Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla were administered the oath. After that former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took the oath. On Wednesday, the Speaker will be elected and Governor will address the House members.

 

Before the commencement of the session, Gopal Bhargava was administered the oath by Governor Mangubhai Patel as the Pro-tem Speaker at Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, addressing the media, Dr Yadav said that “This is the very first day of the session and a positive message is being sent from the House. As the nomination form for the new Speaker’s post has been submitted. I welcome the positive approach of the Opposition and hope its co-operation will continue in future for the development of the State”. In the Assembly elections held in November, BJP secured a thumping victory by winning 163 seats in a House of 230 members while the Opposition Congress faced a defeat and secured 66 seats. The four-day session is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.