Bhartruhari Mahtab, a senior BJP member and a seven-time MP, was sworn in as the Pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on June 24, 2024, by President Droupadi Murmu. In this role, Mahtab, along with a panel of chairpersons, will oversee the initial proceedings of the newly-constituted Lok Sabha, including administering the oath to the winning candidates on June 24 and 25. On June 26, Mahtab will preside over the House for the election of a new Speaker.
The appointment of Mahtab has sparked protests from the INDIA bloc, including leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. They argue that the appointment violates constitutional provisions and conventions, and criticize the BJP for neglecting key issues and ignoring the Dalit community by not appointing K. Suresh, an eight-time Congress MP, as Pro-tem Speaker. The opposition leaders carried copies of the Constitution during their protest in Parliament, highlighting their stance on protecting constitutional integrity.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar defended Mahtab’s appointment, emphasizing his experience and continuity in service, and accused the Congress of having breached conventions in the past. He suggested that the opposition’s increased representation in the Lok Sabha has emboldened them to raise their voices on various issues.
