Politics National

Posted by admin on 2024-06-24 | Last Updated by admin on 2025-04-04 21:30:19

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On June 24, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to BJP member B. Mahtab as the 'Speaker Pro-tem' of the newly-formed 18th Lok Sabha. A seven-time Member of Parliament, Mahtab, along with a panel of chairpersons, will manage the proceedings of the Lok Sabha on June 24 and 25, when winning candidates take their oaths as members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

On June 26, Mahtab will preside over the House during the election of a new Speaker. The President appointed Mr. Mahtab and the panel of chairpersons on June 20.

Opposition Protests and Allegations

Leaders of the INDIA bloc are protesting against the appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker, citing alleged irregularities in the NEET UG-2024 examination and the relocation of statues within the Parliament building complex.

According to the Opposition, eight-term member K. Suresh, a Dalit leader, was overlooked for the temporary post of pro-tem Speaker. The Congress claims that Mahtab's appointment by the BJP deviates from the traditional practice of appointing the senior-most member, asserting that it is an "established tradition" in the Lok Sabha for the senior-most MP to become the pro-tem Speaker.

PM Modi's Message to the Opposition

Before the session, Prime Minister Modi sent a message to the Opposition, emphasizing that the people expect "debate and diligence" from members of parliament, not "disturbance." He also indirectly criticized Congress by referencing the Emergency period, stating that the new generation will "never forget how the Constitution was destroyed."

Union Minister's Response

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized the leaders of the INDIA bloc, stating that the Opposition has more seats this time and thus raises their voice on every issue. “Bhartruhari Mahtab is a senior parliamentarian. He is an elected MP consecutively for the 7th time. They are demanding K. Suresh to be appointed as pro-tem Speaker. He has been elected for the 8th time, but his serving period is non-consecutive... Congress has breached the conventions a lot of times. Those who had imposed emergency should not talk about the conventions,” he added.