'We Followed The Tradition': Rijiju Rebukes Congress Over Objection To Mahtab's Appointment As LS Pro Tem Speaker

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday took a swipe at the Congress party for its objection to the appointment of BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker of the Lok Sabha, suggesting that any violation of the system would be noticed only by “those who have not read the system and its rules”.

The Congress had accused the BJP-led NDA government of “destroying parliamentary norms” by overlooking the claim of its leader Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term Lok Sabha MP, to the pro-tem Speaker’s post.

“They (Congress) took the name of Suresh Kodaikanal. His total term is 8. But his break happened in 2004 and 1998…Here, any violation of the system will be felt only by those who have not read the system and its rules. We have followed this tradition,” Rijiju told the media during a press briefing.

#WATCH | On BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed pro-tem Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “…I have to say it with great regret that I feel ashamed that the Congress party talks like this. First of all, they created an issue about the… pic.twitter.com/iKwodsMRg3

Justifying Mahtab’s appointment as the pro-tem Lok Sabha speaker, the Union Minister noted that he is the “longest-serving member” of the Lower House of Parliament.

“They objected to the name of Bhartruhari Mahtab. Bhartruhari Mahtab has been a member of the Lok Sabha for seven consecutive terms without a break and at this time he is the longest-serving member,” Rijiju stated.

He further clarified that the pro-tem speaker’s role is temporary, lasting only until the election of the new speaker. “They do not have to do any business transactions or anything, and the pro-tem speaker has a limited role,” he added.

‘Blatant disregard for democratic principles’: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday also criticised Mahtab’s appointment as pro-tem Lok Sabha speaker and accused the BJP of showing a ‘blatant disregard for democratic principles’.

“The recent decision to appoint the pro-tem speaker in the Lok Sabha flouts established parliamentary norms, showing the BJP’s blatant disregard for democratic principles. By overlooking Kodikunnil Suresh (INC), the senior-most MP in the 18th Lok Sabha, they undermine our parliamentary traditions. This raises serious questions about the BJP’s commitment to democracy,” Vijayan wrote on his X post.

On Thursday, Rijiju announced that President Droupadi Murmu had appointed Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha, assisted by senior members Kodikunnil Suresh (Congress), TR Baalu (DMK), Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste (both BJP), and Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC).

“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 election of the Speaker,” Rijiju shared on X.

Backlash after Rijiju’s announcement

Following Rijiju’s announcement, the Congress objected to Mahtab’s selection, emphasising the seniority of Kodikkunnil Suresh, an eight-term parliamentarian and prominent Dalit MP.

“In yet another attempt at destroying parliamentary norms, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term MP, has been appointed the pro-tem Speaker, superseding Kodikunnil Suresh, who will be entering his eighth term,” AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, another Congress leader, Manickam Tagore, remarked, “First mistake as Parliamentary Affairs Minister: 7-term BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab chosen as Protem Speaker of Lok Sabha over senior-most Dalit MP Kodikunnil Suresh of Congress.”