Congress Questions BJP's Choice of Pro-Tem Speaker Amid Controversy

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP's decision to appoint Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem speaker of the Lok Sabha over Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi, raising questions about parliamentary norms and possible bias against Dalits. BJP defended their choice, citing Mahtab's uninterrupted tenure.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday questioned the BJP's decision to appoint Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem speaker of the Lok Sabha, bypassing Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi despite his seniority.

The Congress has accused the government of undermining parliamentary norms by selecting seven-term MP Mahtab over eight-term MP Kodikunnil Suresh, who according to convention, should have been chosen.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded, suggesting that the Congress makes Suresh the Leader of the Opposition. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Mahtab's appointment, highlighting his uninterrupted tenure.

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