Pro-Tem Speaker: BJP vs INDIA Flashpoint In 18th Lok Sabha’s Parliament Session Today

The selection of the pro-tem Speaker has become a contested issue in the Indian parliament. This role is temporary and involves administering the oath to new members of the house.

The BJP’s choice of Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-time MP, has been opposed by the Congress. The Congress argues that its MP, K Suresh, with eight terms, should have been selected instead.

The BJP defends its choice by highlighting Mahtab’s consecutive terms compared to Suresh’s election losses in the past. The President will administer the oath to Mahtab, who will serve until the election of the Speaker.

The pro-tem Speaker will be assisted by senior members of the House in administering the oath to new MPs. However, the Congress has announced that its MPs will not participate in the oath ceremony as a mark of protest.

Additionally, the Congress has questioned why another BJP MP, Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi, was not considered for the pro-tem Speaker position. A BJP spokesperson responded by suggesting that the Congress should appoint Suresh as the Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing that the pro-tem Speaker position is temporary.

In response, Suresh criticized the government’s decision, stating that the entire country is critical of the BJP’s choice for the pro-tem Speaker.