inc-boycotts-pro-tem-speaker-ceremony-in-lok-sabha

The controversy surrounding the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha has stirred up political tensions as Congress and India Bloc MPs express their dissatisfaction.

 

Traditionally, the role of pro-tem Speaker, responsible for administering the oath to newly-elected MPs, is bestowed upon the most senior member. However, in a departure from this norm, BJP's Bhratruhari Mehtab, a seventh-term MP, was appointed instead of Congress' K Suresh, an eighth-term MP.

 

This decision has sparked outcry among opposition ranks, with Congress alleging a breach of parliamentary customs. K Suresh lamented the appointment, emphasising that the rightful choice should have been the more senior member, K Suresh himself.

 

He criticised the BJP-led government for what he perceives as a disregard for established traditions, echoing sentiments of disrespect towards the Dalit community, to which K Suresh belongs.

 

The fallout from this decision is expected to impact the upcoming first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, set to commence with the oath-taking ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other newly-elected MPs will participate amidst heightened scrutiny and opposition scrutiny.

 

The session is anticipated to be contentious, with discussions likely to include the election of the Speaker, allegations of exam paper leaks, and other contentious issues.

 

President Droupadi Murmu is slated to preside over key events, including the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on June 27th. The session marks the formal inauguration following the general elections, which saw the NDA securing 293 seats, followed by the INDIA bloc with 234 seats and Congress holding 99 seats.

 

In response to the controversy, Congress has announced its decision to abstain from assisting the pro-tem Speaker during the oath-taking ceremony. This move underscores the deep-seated dissatisfaction within the opposition ranks, reflecting broader discontent over what they perceive as a departure from democratic norms.

 

As the parliamentary drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the proceedings in the Lok Sabha, where crucial decisions and legislative matters are set to shape the political landscape in the days ahead.

 

The outcome of these deliberations will not only impact immediate parliamentary functioning but also set the tone for political discourse and opposition dynamics in the 18th Lok Sabha.

 

The session's agenda includes the formalisation of parliamentary roles, discussions on national issues, and legislative priorities. With tensions simmering over the pro-tem Speaker appointment, the session is poised to test the resilience of parliamentary traditions amidst evolving political dynamics and ideological clashes.

 

As the nation awaits the commencement of parliamentary proceedings, the contentious start to the 18th Lok Sabha signals a period of heightened political engagement and legislative scrutiny.

 

The outcome of these initial deliberations will resonate far beyond the walls of Parliament, shaping public discourse and political narratives in the days and weeks to come.