A standoff between the government and Opposition escalated as INDIA bloc MPs, designated to assist pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, decided to abstain from their duties, according to sources speaking to India Today TV on Monday.
The controversy arose after Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term BJP MP, was appointed pro tem Speaker instead of K Suresh, an eight-time Congress MP. President Droupadi Murmu had also appointed senior MPs including K Suresh, T R Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay to aid Mahtab, but Congress, DMK, and TMC MPs will reportedly boycott the role.
Congress criticized Mahtab’s appointment, alleging departure from the tradition of appointing the senior-most MP. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh insinuated bias against K Suresh due to his Dalit background, while K.C. Venugopal demanded clarification from the BJP.
In defense, the government argued that Mahtab’s uninterrupted tenure in the Lok Sabha distinguished him, contrasting with Suresh’s electoral defeats in 1998 and 2004. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra emphasized adherence to convention rather than legal obligation in the appointment process.
List of Business and Schedule for 18th Lok Sabha’s First Session
INDIA bloc MPs are expected to gather at the Parliament complex on Monday morning for the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha. They will convene near Gate No. 2 of the old Parliament building, where the Gandhi statue was formerly located, as confirmed by a senior opposition leader.
The session will commence with a moment of silence in honor of the first sitting of the new Lok Sabha. The Secretary General will then present a list of newly elected MPs in Hindi and English on the floor of the House.
Subsequently, MPs including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and council of ministers will take their oaths or affirmations, sign the roll of members, and assume their seats.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 27, with the debate on the Motion of Thanks commencing on June 28. Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to respond to the debate on July 2 or 3.
Following a brief recess, both Houses will reconvene on July 22 for the presentation of the Union Budget.
