In a significant development, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Odisha, has been appointed as the Pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. President Droupadi Murmu bestowed this responsibility upon Mahtab under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. As the Pro-tem Speaker, Mahtab will temporarily assume the duties associated with the position of the Speaker until the election of the Speaker. Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs informed about the same in a post on X.
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.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 20, 2024
President is also pleased to appoint Shri Suresh Kodikunnil, Shri Thalikkottai…
Bhartruhari Mahtab’s political journey
Bhartruhari Mahtab’s political journey began in 1998 when he was first elected to the Lok Sabha representing the Cuttack constituency. Following in the footsteps of his father, Late Shri Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, a revered figure in Odisha politics, Mahtab has upheld his family’s political legacy with dedication. He successfully secured re-election in the subsequent years of 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014, demonstrating his consistent popularity and commitment to public service.
The Shift to BJP
On March 28, 2024, Mahtab made headlines by resigning from the BJD and officially joining the BJP. The induction ceremony, held in the presence of senior BJP leaders Vinod Tawde, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Baijayant Panda, marked a significant moment in Odisha’s political narrative. This move underscores a growing trend of prominent leaders exiting the BJD ahead of the upcoming elections, indicating shifting allegiances and strategies within the state’s political framework.
Throughout his tenure in the Lok Sabha, Mahtab has been known for his active participation in parliamentary debates and discussions. His commitment to legislative duties was recognized when he received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2017. Further acknowledging his exceptional performance, Mahtab was honored with the prestigious Sansad Ratna Award for his contributions to parliamentary debates in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
As Bhartruhari Mahtab embarked on this new chapter with the BJP, all eyes were on how this transition will influence the political dynamics in Cuttack and Odisha at large. Cuttack, a city rich in history and cultural heritage, stood as the backdrop to a political transformation that significantly shaped the future of the state.
The BJD, under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, has been a dominant force in Odisha politics. Mahtab’s departure was a critical juncture for the party, prompting introspection and strategic recalibration.
For the BJP, inducting a seasoned politician like Mahtab was a strategic move to consolidate its position in Odisha. His experience and influence in Cuttack are assets that the BJP aims to leverage in its broader political strategy. The party’s approach to appointing Mahtab as the pro-tem speaker is an effort in this regard.
The transition of Bhartruhari Mahtab from the BJD to the BJP opened a new chapter not only for him but also for the political narrative of Odisha. This move set the stage for new alliances, strategies, and a shift in voter loyalty. As the political landscape evolved, the impact of Mahtab’s decision unfolded with a BJP victory in the Odisha assembly elections.
What Does This Appointment Mean?
The Pro-tem Speaker holds a pivotal role during the early days of a new Lok Sabha, ensuring a smooth transition and the proper functioning of the parliamentary system. Here are the key responsibilities of the Pro-tem Speaker and what their appointment means for the parliamentary process:
Conducting the Oath/Affirmation
One of the primary duties of the Pro-tem Speaker is to administer the oath or affirmation to the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs). This ceremony is a significant and solemn occasion, marking the official commencement of an MP’s parliamentary journey. By taking the oath, MPs pledge to uphold the Constitution and faithfully discharge their duties. The Pro-tem Speaker ensures that this process is conducted with the required decorum and efficiency, setting the tone for the new legislative session.
Summoning the House
Following the general elections, the Pro-tem Speaker is responsible for convening the first session of the newly constituted Lok Sabha. This session is critical as it lays the groundwork for the functioning of the House. During this initial gathering, MPs take their oaths, which allows them to participate fully in parliamentary proceedings. The Pro-tem Speaker’s role in summoning the House is essential for initiating the legislative process and ensuring that the new government can begin its work promptly.
Presiding Over the Election of the Speaker
One of the most important tasks of the Pro-tem Speaker is to oversee the election of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The election of the Speaker is a crucial event, as the Speaker becomes the presiding officer of the House, responsible for maintaining order during debates, ensuring that parliamentary rules are followed, and representing the House in all its functions and ceremonial occasions. The Pro-tem Speaker ensures that this election is conducted fairly and transparently, thereby contributing to the stability and integrity of the parliamentary system.
The role of the Pro-tem Speaker is vital for maintaining continuity between the dissolution of the previous Lok Sabha and the formation of the new one. By administering oaths, summoning the House, and presiding over the election of the Speaker, the Pro-tem Speaker ensures that there is no vacuum in leadership and that the parliamentary process can continue without interruption.
Setting the Tone for Parliamentary Proceedings
The actions and conduct of the Pro-tem Speaker during the initial days of the new Lok Sabha set the tone for parliamentary proceedings. By ensuring that the oath-taking ceremony is dignified and that the election of the Speaker is conducted smoothly, the Pro-tem Speaker helps to establish a respectful and orderly environment in the House. This is crucial for fostering a culture of decorum and mutual respect among MPs, which is essential for effective legislative functioning.
Facilitating a Smooth Transition
The transition from one Lok Sabha to another can be a complex process, especially following a general election. The Pro-tem Speaker’s responsibilities are crucial for facilitating this transition and ensuring that new MPs are integrated into the parliamentary system effectively. By guiding new MPs through their initial responsibilities and helping to orient them to the workings of the House, the Pro-tem Speaker contributes to a smoother and more efficient start to the new legislative session.
Conclusion
As the 18th Lok Sabha begins its proceedings, Bhartruhari Mahtab’s leadership as the Pro-tem Speaker will set the tone for the House’s functioning. His impartiality, adherence to parliamentary norms, and dedication to upholding democratic values will be closely observed.
Bhartruhari Mahtab’s journey from the BJD to the BJP was a significant development in Indian politics. His decision to switch parties reflected the dynamic nature of political allegiances and strategies.
