Despite controversy, Bhartruhari Mahtab was sworn in as pro-tem speaker.
Bhartruhari Mahtab, a member of parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took the oath to serve as the 18th Lok Sabha’s pro-tem speaker, marking a momentous step. The new legislative session officially began with the event at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Bhartruhari Mahtab, Pro-Tem Speaker, Cuttack MP & NDA, I.N.D.I.A Bone Of Contention? Know The Neta#TNDIGITALVIDEOS #BhartruhariMahtab #ProtemSpeaker pic.twitter.com/W7IH1u7ex5
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) June 24, 2024
Important Points:
Appointment and Disputation: In spite of heavy opposition from the opposition, President Droupadi Murmu took Mahtab’s oath of office.
Because the appointment deviates from the custom of appointing the most senior member of the Lower House to this position, concern has been raised.
Congress leaders have charged that the administration disregarded the demand of their member, eight-term Lok Sabha member Kodikunnil Suresh, in violation of parliamentary rules.
BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab takes oath as pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha
— TanmoY (@nottanmoy) June 24, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath
Heartiest Congratulations to @BhartruhariM ji 💐 pic.twitter.com/e1467ZZ3Wr
Mahatab Position:
The role of Mahtab is to oversee the Lok Sabha’s proceedings until the Speaker is elected on June 26. Mahtab is a seven-time Member of Parliament.
Among his duties are supervising the oath-taking ceremony for recently elected Members of Parliament and delivering the oath to the group of chairpersons supporting him in the early going.
President #DroupadiMurmu administered the Oath of Office to Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab as Speaker pro-tem of the 18th #LokSabha at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.@rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/nm4kXAHqRK
— DD India (@DDIndialive) June 24, 2024
The Debate:
Mahtab’s recent transfer from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to the BJP prior to the Lok Sabha elections is the reason behind the controversy surrounding his selection.
Mahtab has served seven consecutive terms as an MP, which some claim justifies the appointment; others counter that seniority should take precedence when choosing the Pro-tem Speaker.
In conclusion, the 18th Lok Sabha is shaped by Bhartruhari Mahtab’s position as Pro-tem Speaker, however there is still disagreement over his selection. 🗳️🇮🇳