Northeast Desk, 24th June: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the appointment of BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker amidst a controversy and boycott by opposition parties. The Congress and India Bloc parties have expressed dissatisfaction over what they see as a deviation from tradition, as the appointment bypassed Congress leader K Suresh, an eighth-term MP, in favor of the seventh-term Mahtab.
Addressing the media, Rijiju stated, “As per tradition, I have come to request the pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab for the oath ceremony to be undertaken at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I met all the leaders and everybody agrees that the pro-tem Speaker has never been an issue in the history of the Indian Parliament.”
Rijiju further emphasized the non-controversial nature of the pro-tem Speaker’s role, noting, “Just now I met DMK Parliamentary Party leader TR Baalu. Everyone agrees that the pro-tem Speaker has never been an issue in the history of the Indian Parliament. The appointment of the pro-tem Speaker is basically to administer the oath to the newly elected members and help in the election of the new Speaker.”
Despite Rijiju’s reassurances, sources within the opposition indicate deep dissatisfaction with the appointment. The Congress and India Bloc parties argue that the decision to appoint Mahtab over the more senior Suresh marks a significant break from established parliamentary tradition.
Congress leader K Suresh voiced his frustration, pointing out that despite his seniority as an eighth-term MP, the position was given to a seventh-term MP. His concerns were echoed by Congress MP Hibi Eden, who accused the NDA government of disregarding longstanding traditions and customs in the selection process.
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