News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/21stJune 2024
BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab has been appointed as the Speaker Protem of the Lok Sabha, according to an announcement by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday. The announcement was made on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Rijiju stated that Mahtab will serve as the presiding officer of the Lower House until the election of a new Speaker.
In his post, Rijiju said, “The President is pleased to appoint Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member, Lok Sabha, as Speaker Protem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of Speaker till the election of the Speaker.” This appointment ensures that the essential functions of the Lok Sabha continue smoothly until a new Speaker is elected.
Mahtab, a veteran politician from Odisha, has served seven terms in the Lok Sabha. He was previously a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) before joining the BJP in March this year ahead of the elections. In recognition of his contributions to parliamentary debates, Mahtab was awarded the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2017.
The role of the Speaker Protem is crucial in the functioning of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker Protem is responsible for presiding over the House’s proceedings and overseeing the swearing-in of newly elected MPs. This temporary position is essential for maintaining the legislative body’s operations until a new Speaker is chosen by a simple majority vote in the House. Although the term ‘pro-tem’ means ‘for the time being’ or ‘temporarily’, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. However, the ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ details the procedures for appointing and swearing in a Speaker Protem.
Alongside Mahtab’s appointment, Rijiju also announced that several Lok Sabha members would assist him in his duties. These members include K Suresh, T R Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay. They have been appointed under Article 99 of the Constitution to help the Speaker Protem with the oath-taking and affirmation of the newly elected Members of the 18th Lok Sabha until the election of the Speaker.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded to Mahtab’s appointment by pointing out a customary practice. He stated that traditionally, the MP with the most terms served is appointed as the Speaker Protem for the initial two days when new MPs are sworn in. Ramesh noted that the most senior MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha are Kodikunnil Suresh (INC) and Virendra Kumar (BJP), both currently serving their eighth term. Since Virendra Kumar is now a Union Minister, it was expected that Kodikunnil Suresh would be appointed as Speaker Protem. However, the appointment went to Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term MP who recently transitioned from the BJD to the BJP.
This decision has sparked some debate regarding the adherence to traditional practices within the Lok Sabha. Nevertheless, Mahtab’s extensive parliamentary experience and recognition as an outstanding parliamentarian highlight his qualifications for the role.
Mahtab’s appointment as Speaker Protem marks a significant step in the transition phase of the Lok Sabha, ensuring that the parliamentary processes continue without disruption until the election of a new Speaker. His leadership will be crucial in maintaining the procedural integrity and order of the House during this interim period.
