BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab was appointed as pro-tem speaker by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, sparking accusations from Congress of ignoring the claim of their own eight-term MP, Suresh, to the post. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at Congress, accusing them of misleading and lying to the people for politicizing the appointment. He also clarified that Suresh's lack of uninterrupted tenure as an MP disqualified his seniority for the position.
BJP's Bhartruhari Mahtab Appointed Pro-Tem Speaker, Stirring Allegations of Political Bias
The appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu has sparked accusations of ignoring the claim of Congress's Suresh, an eight-term MP, to the post.
Background:
The pro-tem speaker is appointed by the President to preside over the first session of the Lok Sabha until a Speaker is elected by the House. According to convention, the pro-tem speaker is typically the seniormost member of the Lok Sabha.
Controversy:
Congress raised objections to Mahtab's appointment, alleging that Suresh was the seniormost MP and should have been given the position. The party accused the government of political bias in favor of the BJP.
Government's Response:
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted Congress's allegations, accusing the party of "misleading and lying to the people." He clarified that Suresh's lack of uninterrupted tenure as an MP disqualified his seniority for the position.
FAQs:
1. Why was Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed pro-tem speaker?
Mahtab was appointed due to his seniority as the oldest member of the Lok Sabha.
2. Why did Congress object to Mahtab's appointment?
Congress claimed that Suresh, being a senior MP with eight terms, had a stronger claim to the post.
3. How does parliamentary seniority determine the pro-tem speaker?
Parliamentary seniority is based on uninterrupted terms as an MP. Suresh had served in multiple terms with gaps in between.
4. What is the role of the pro-tem speaker?
The pro-tem speaker presides over the first session of the Lok Sabha until a Speaker is elected.
5. What are the allegations of political bias in this case?
Congress accused the BJP-led government of favoring a BJP member over a Congress member for the pro-tem speaker position.
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