Controversy Over Pro-tem Speaker Appointment in Lok Sabha

The Congress has criticized the government's decision to appoint seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker instead of the conventionally senior-most member, eight-term MP Kodikunnil Suresh. This appointment has sparked allegations of parliamentary norm violations and raised questions about the government's intentions.

The Congress has lashed out at the government for what it calls the 'destruction of parliamentary norms' following the appointment of seven-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker instead of the expected choice, eight-term MP Kodikunnil Suresh. According to Congress leaders, the convention stipulates that the senior-most member takes the role.

The announcement made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has led to a storm of objections from various Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal, who argued that the norms have been unjustly breached. The appointment was authorized by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 95(1) of the Constitution.

The controversy raises questions about the government's motivations, with suggestions that this move might be influenced by factors beyond mere merit and seniority. The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to begin on June 24, with the Speaker's election scheduled for June 26.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)