New Delhi: The appointment of BJP leader Bhartuhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha has reignited tensions between the BJP and Congress. As the Lok Sabha session commences today, this issue is poised to become a major point of contention between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. Lets understand whole controversy in five points. Mahtab appointed as pro-tem Speaker Mahtab, a seven-term Lok Sabha member from Cuttack, was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on June 20. He took oath today as taking of newly elected members, assisted by Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay.K Suresh was overlookedThe Opposition has expressed dissatisfaction with Mahtabs appointment, arguing that K Suresh, an eight-term Dalit leader, was overlooked. Congress contends that Mahtabs selection by the BJP diverges from the customary practice of appointing the senior-most member as pro-tem Speaker, calling it an established tradition in the Lok Sabha.Background played role in exclusion of K Suresh Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested that Sureshs Dalit background played a role in his exclusion, questioning why another BJP MP in his seventh term, Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi, was not considered if seniority was the criterion.KC Venugopal demands explanation from BJP Congress leader KC Venugopal demanded an explanation from BJP, while MP Pramod Tiwari accused the party of disrespecting parliamentary norms and democracy.INDIA bloc withdrew its membersIn response, the INDIA bloc withdrew its members from the panel assisting Mahtab, escalating the dispute.What BJP said Defending Mahtabs appointment, the government highlighted his uninterrupted tenure in the Lok Sabha compared to Sureshs electoral history. BJP MP Sambit Patra underscored that the decision followed established conventions rather than legal mandates. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju engaged with TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay following INDIA blocs withdrawal, urging Congress not to politicize Mahtabs appointment, stressing that it adhered to procedural norms.
