Lok Sabha Session 2024: Controversy Over Pro-Tem Speaker Appointment

The inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha began today, featuring eight sittings until July 3. Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term MP, was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mahtab will administer the oath to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers.

Opposition Criticizes Pro-Tem Speaker Choice

The Opposition has expressed strong disapproval over the appointment of Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker, arguing that Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term MP, should have been appointed according to the tradition of selecting the senior-most member. They claim Suresh was overlooked because he is from the Dalit community. Alongside Mahtab’s appointment, President Murmu also nominated senior MPs, including Suresh, DMK’s T R Baalu, TMC’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay, and BJP leaders Radha Mohan Singh and Faggan Singh Kulaste, to assist Mahtab. However, the Opposition INDIA bloc is likely to reject the roles assigned to Suresh, Baalu, and Bandyopadhyay.

Speaker Election and Opposition Strategy

The election for the new Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26. While the BJP-led NDA is advocating for a consensus candidate, the Opposition parties are pushing for the Deputy Speaker position to be offered to the Opposition as per convention. Some Congress leaders are reportedly supporting Suresh’s candidacy to highlight their political stance.