A significant controversy has erupted regarding the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha. The BJP-led NDA government appointed Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term BJP MP, as the pro-tem Speaker. This appointment bypassed Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term Congress MP. The Congress party, supported by other opposition parties, argues that this move deviates from traditional practices.
The pro-tem Speaker holds a vital position in the Lok Sabha. This role includes administering the oath to newly elected members and presiding over the Lower House until the Speaker is elected. Traditionally, the most senior member of the Lok Sabha is chosen for this role.
Kodikunnil Suresh’s Political Journey
Kodikunnil Suresh, the seasoned Indian politician, has etched his name in the annals of Kerala’s political history. Born on June 4, 1962, in Kodikunnil, Thiruvananthapuram, Suresh’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an eight-time Member of Parliament (MP) is nothing short of inspiring.
Suresh hails from a modest family, the youngest son of Kunjan and Thankamma. His educational journey took him to Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram for his pre-degree studies, followed by a degree in LL.B from Government Law College. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future political endeavors.
Suresh’s political voyage began during his law studies at Government Law College. As the state vice president of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), he received his first candidate ticket. In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time, representing the Adoor constituency. His subsequent victories in the 1991, 1996, and 1999 General Elections solidified his position as a formidable political force.
Despite his early successes, Suresh faced setbacks in the 1998 and 2004 general elections. However, he rebounded in 2009, contesting from the Mavelikara Lok Sabha constituency. His victory over R. S. Anil of the Communist Party of India by a margin of 48,048 votes marked a turning point in his career.
Ministerial Role
Suresh’s commitment to public service led him to serve as the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment from 2012 to 2014. During this tenure, he contributed significantly to labor reforms and welfare policies. His dedication earned him recognition both within his party and among constituents.
Record-Breaking MP
In 2018, Suresh was appointed as the working president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). His electoral victories continued, securing wins in the 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024 Indian general elections from the Mavelikara constituency. With this latest victory, he clinched the record for the longest-serving Lok Sabha MP, having remained in office for an impressive 29 years.
Opposition’s Criticism of the Appointment
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the charge, accusing the Centre of deliberately neglecting Kodikunnil Suresh. Vijayan claimed that this decision violated parliamentary conventions. He questioned why Suresh, the most senior MP in the Lok Sabha, was not chosen for the position. Vijayan suggested that ‘upper caste politics’ influenced the decision. He further accused the BJP of arrogance and of disregarding democratic principles.
BJP’s Counter Response
In response to the criticism, the BJP suggested that Congress could make Kodikunnil Suresh the Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha. This suggestion highlighted the ongoing tension between the two parties over the pro-tem Speaker controversy.
Historical Context of the Dispute
Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out that during the last Lok Sabha, the post of Deputy Speaker remained vacant for five years. He attributed this vacancy to the BJP’s stance against accepting any opposition member in that position. Vijayan labeled this approach as a challenge and an insult to Indian democracy.
Upcoming Sessions of the 18th Lok Sabha
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin on June 24. During this session, newly elected members will take their oaths on June 24 and 25. The election of the Speaker is set to follow on June 26. This controversy regarding the pro-tem Speaker appointment highlights the political dynamics and power struggles within the Lok Sabha.
Analysis of the Political Dynamics
This controversy is more than just a disagreement over a position. It reflects the deeper political dynamics and power struggles within the Lok Sabha. The appointment of the pro-tem Speaker is a crucial decision that sets the tone for the new parliamentary session. By bypassing the most senior member, the BJP-led NDA government has sent a clear message about its approach to parliamentary traditions and opposition roles.
Implications for Indian Democracy
The decision to appoint Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker instead of Kodikunnil Suresh has significant implications for Indian democracy. It raises questions about the adherence to parliamentary conventions and the respect for seniority and experience. The controversy also highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in asserting their roles and responsibilities within the parliamentary framework.
Looking Ahead
As the 18th Lok Sabha prepares to commence, all eyes will be on the upcoming sessions. The way this controversy unfolds will be closely watched. It will provide insights into the broader political strategies and alignments within the Indian parliamentary system. The appointment of the pro-tem Speaker is just the beginning. The election of the Speaker, the functioning of the Lok Sabha, and the interaction between the government and the opposition will all be critical factors in shaping the future of Indian democracy.
Conclusion
The controversy over the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha underscores the political tensions and power dynamics within the Indian parliamentary system. The decision to bypass the most senior member- Kodikunnil Suresh has sparked criticism and raised questions about adherence to parliamentary traditions. As the new Lok Sabha session begins, the political landscape will be closely scrutinized, revealing the evolving dynamics of Indian democracy. The outcome of this controversy will have lasting implications for the functioning of the Lok Sabha and the broader democratic processes in India.
