Who Is Bhartruhari Mahtab, New Pro-Tem Speaker Of Lok Sabha

New Delhi: BJP Seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Monday sworn in as the Lok Sabha Pro-Tem Speaker ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. His oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The swearing-in ceremony marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha’s first session. Before the commencement of the legislative functioning of the Lower House, the newly elected members will take the oath of Members of Parliament (MP).

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab takes oath as pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha

President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath pic.twitter.com/VGoL5PGEkT

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024

Mahtab, with his impressive track record of seven Lok Sabha terms from Cuttack, was handpicked by President Droupadi Murmu to take on the role of pro-tem Speaker on June 20. His team will include Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, all chosen to help him in swearing in the recently elected representatives.

Row Over Bhartruhari Mahtab’s Appointment As Pro-Tem Speaker?

The Opposition voiced discontent over the selection of Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker, replacing K Suresh, a seasoned Dalit leader of eight terms. The BJP has come under fire from Congress for deviating from the common practice of appointing the longest-serving member to the role, pointing out that in the history of the Lok Sabha, it has been an age-old tradition for the most senior MP to fill the pro-tem Speaker’s position.
Congress veteran leader Jairam Ramesh stated slammed the saffron party by stating that K Suresh was ignored for the post because of his Dalit lineage.

Who Is The Pro-Tem Speaker?

Once the President appoints the temporary Speaker, their job is to initiate the joining of new elected members by overseeing their oath-taking and to manage the House’s operations. This responsibility is carried out until the House finalizes and selects their permanent Speaker.
The term ‘pro-tem Speaker’ comes into play just before the initial meet-up of the newly formed Lok Sabha. According to Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker’s seat is technically empty during this period. To keep things flowing smoothly, a selected Member of the House steps in, assuming the Speaker’s role and duties during this interim period.

During the 17th Lok Sabha assembly, Virendra Kumar was handed the reins as the pro-tem Speaker, an appointment he earned from the then-President Ram Nath Kovind.