BJP’s Sambit Patra Defends Appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro-tem Speaker

New Delhi, India – On Sunday, BJP MP Sambit Patra defended the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. Patra explained that the decision follows a long-standing convention rather than law.

Patra’s remarks came in response to objections from Congress, which he argued are disrupting a traditional process. He stated, “The President of India recommends the pro-tem speaker through Article 95 of the Constitution of India. It is a long convention that has been going on in this beautiful democracy of India since independence. Now, Congress is trying to disturb this process.”

Patra further explained that Bhartruhari Mahtab, serving his seventh consecutive term as an MP, qualifies for the role based on the convention that the MP with the longest unbroken service is appointed as pro-tem Speaker. In contrast, Congress MP K Suresh, although serving his eighth term, has not done so consecutively.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also supported the decision, stating it was made according to the rules and urged Congress not to politicize the issue. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which starts on June 24.

Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal and Manickam Tagore, criticized the decision, arguing that it deviates from traditional practice and overlooks senior-most MP Kodikkunnil Suresh. They called for an explanation from the government.

The pro-tem Speaker’s role is to administer the oath to newly elected members and oversee proceedings until a permanent Speaker is elected. The Rajya Sabha session will begin on June 27.