Kiren Rijiju Defends Appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro Tem Speaker

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has responded to Congress’s allegations regarding the appointment of the pro tem Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha. Congress claimed that conventions were ignored when Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term MP from BJP, was chosen over their eight-term MP, Kodikunnil Suresh.

Government’s Stand

Rijiju stated that the government followed tradition and that any perceived violation of the system would be felt only by those unfamiliar with the rules. He emphasized that Mahtab has served seven consecutive terms without a break, making him the longest-serving member at this time.

Congress’s Objections

Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Manickam Tagore, argued that Kodikunnil Suresh should have been appointed as he is entering his eighth term. They pointed out that the longest-serving MP is typically chosen as the pro tem Speaker.

Appointment Details

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker, with Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay assisting in the oath-taking of newly-elected members. The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will start on June 24, followed by the Rajya Sabha session on June 27.