President Murmu appoints Bhartruhari Mahtab as Speaker pro-tem

TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jun 20, 2024, 20:34 IST

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Bhartruhari Mahtab

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhartruhari Mahtab, a member of the Lok Sabha, as the Speaker pro-tem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. The appointment comes as part of the parliamentary procedures and will see Mahtab temporarily assume the responsibilities associated with the position of the Speaker.

Who is Bhartruhari Mahtab?

Bhartruhari Mahtab, born on 8 September 1957, is son of former chief minister late Dr Harekrushna Mahatab.

Initially a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Mahtab joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 28 March 2024, following his resignation from the BJD. He has been elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times from the Cuttack constituency in Odisha, serving since 1998 and being re-elected in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Mahtab is highly regarded for his legislative contributions, having received the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2017 and the Sansad Ratna Award for outstanding performance in debates for four consecutive years from 2017 to 2020. His political career has spanned over two decades, and before the 2024 Indian General Election, he joined the BJP, inducted by senior leaders Vinod Tawde, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Baijayant Panda.

Key Responsibilities of the Speaker pro-tem

Presiding over initial sessions: The Speaker pro-tem oversees the first meeting of the newly elected house until a permanent Speaker is elected.
Administering oath of office: They administer the oath of office to newly elected members of Parliament.
Conducting speaker and deputy speaker elections: The Speaker pro-tem facilitates the election process for the Speaker and deputy Speaker.
Maintaining order and decorum: Ensures smooth proceedings and upholds decorum in the house during the initial session.
Floor test: The Speaker pro-tem administers the floor test to ensure the majority support for the government.
Additional duties: Depending on the specific rules and procedures of the legislative body, the Speaker pro-tem may have additional responsibilities.

Meanwhile, union minister of Parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju in his X post said that,"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. President is also pleased to appoint Shri Suresh Kodikunnil, Shri Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Members of Lok Sabha under Article 99 of the Constitution to assist Speaker pro-tem in Oath/Affirmation to newly elected Members of 18th Lok Sabha till election of the Speaker."

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