Congress and India bloc MPS boycott the oath ceremony over the appointment of BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha commenced with significant controversy as Congress and INDIA bloc MPs decided to boycott the MPs’ oath ceremony, protesting the appointment of BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker. Traditionally, the position is given to the senior-most MP, which in this case should have been the eight-time Congress MP K Suresh. However, the BJP deviated from this norm, sparking discontent among opposition parties.

The dispute intensified when Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized the government’s decision, calling it arrogant and disrespectful to parliamentary conventions. Tagore emphasized that Suresh, a seasoned Dalit MP with eight terms, was unjustly overlooked.

Bhartruhari Mahtab, accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and other BJP leaders, left his residence early in the morning to head to Parliament, where President Droupadi Murmu administered his oath. Following this, Mahtab invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take his oath as a member of the House.

In anticipation of the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed optimism about coordinating the Parliament’s functioning. He reiterated his commitment to supporting MPs in their duties as he prepared for the session’s commencement.

The Congress, however, remained resolute in its stance. Congress MP K Suresh accused the NDA government of violating Lok Sabha conventions by appointing Mahtab, a seventh-term MP, instead of him. This decision, he claimed, was an insult to the opposition and a blatant disregard for established norms.

The day’s proceedings began with a moment of silence to mark the solemn occasion of the first sitting of the 18th Lok Sabha. Newly elected members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took their oaths. According to the day’s schedule, members were to sign the Roll of Members and take their seats in the House.

The row over the pro-tem Speaker’s appointment prompted Congress MPs to abstain from assisting in the oath-taking ceremony. They argued that the government’s choice undermined parliamentary conventions, traditionally favoring the most senior MP for the role. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision, citing Mahtab’s uninterrupted tenure as the reason for his appointment over Suresh, whose tenure had been interrupted twice.

The session also saw Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy attend the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Congress Lok Sabha members. Reddy, who also serves as the Telangana Congress president, planned to hold meetings with party officials in Delhi to discuss potential cabinet expansions and the appointment of a new PCC president.

In a poignant moment, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi penned an emotional letter to the people of Wayanad, expressing gratitude for their support as he prepared to take his oath as the MP for Rae Bareli. Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad, noted that his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would now represent the constituency.

As the session unfolded, MPs affiliated with the INDIA bloc marched to Parliament, symbolically carrying copies of the Constitution to underscore their commitment to democratic principles.

The election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, following which Prime Minister Modi will introduce his council of ministers to the House, setting the stage for the new parliamentary term.

Analysis:

Political: The row over the pro-tem Speaker appointment underscores the persistent tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. By appointing Bhartruhari Mahtab instead of K Suresh, the BJP has been accused of undermining parliamentary traditions to consolidate power. This move can be seen as a strategic effort by the BJP to assert dominance in the Lok Sabha, potentially sidelining senior opposition members and reducing their influence in parliamentary procedures.

Social: The controversy highlights the broader societal debate on respecting established norms and traditions. By appointing a less senior MP, the BJP is perceived to be disrupting conventional practices, which raises concerns about the erosion of institutional respect and decorum. This incident reflects a growing trend where political manoeuvring takes precedence over longstanding traditions, potentially eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Racial: The decision to overlook K Suresh, a Dalit MP, in favour of Mahtab has racial implications. It signals to minority communities that their representation and seniority may be disregarded in favour of political expediency. This could exacerbate existing tensions and feelings of marginalization among Dalit communities, highlighting the need for more inclusive and equitable political practices.

Gender: While the specific controversy does not directly address gender issues, it indirectly affects the broader discourse on representation and fairness in political appointments. Ensuring fair representation across all demographics, including gender, is crucial for maintaining a balanced and inclusive democratic process. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of equitable representation in all political decisions.

Economic: The political instability and discord showcased by this controversy could have economic implications. Political stability is crucial for economic confidence and investor sentiment. Disputes and perceived injustices within the parliamentary system can lead to uncertainty, potentially affecting economic policies and the overall business environment. Maintaining a stable and transparent political process is essential for fostering economic growth and investor confidence