Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday took a swipe at the Congress party for its objection to the appointment of BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker of the Lok Sabha, suggesting that any violation of the system would be noticed only by “those who have not read the system and its rules”.
The Congress had accused the BJP-led NDA government of “destroying parliamentary norms” by overlooking the claim of its leader Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term Lok Sabha MP, to the pro-tem Speaker’s post.
“They (Congress) took the name of Suresh Kodaikanal. His total term is 8. But his break happened in 2004 and 1998…Here, any violation of the system will be felt only by those who have not read the system and its rules. We have followed this tradition,” Rijiju told the media during a press briefing.
#WATCH | On BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed pro-tem Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “…I have to say it with great regret that I feel ashamed that the Congress party talks like this. First of all, they created an issue about the… pic.twitter.com/iKwodsMRg3
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024
Justifying Mahtab’s appointment as the pro-tem Lok Sabha speaker, the Union Minister noted that he is the “longest-serving member” of the Lower House of Parliament.
“They objected to the name of Bhartruhari Mahtab. Bhartruhari Mahtab has been a member of the Lok Sabha for seven consecutive terms without a break and at this time he is the longest-serving member,” Rijiju stated.
He further clarified that the pro-tem speaker’s role is temporary, lasting only until the election of the new speaker. “They do not have to do any business transactions or anything, and the pro-tem speaker has a limited role,” he added.
Justifying Mahtab’s appointment as the pro-tem Lok Sabha speaker, the Union Minister noted that he is the “longest-serving member” of the Lower House of Parliament.
“They objected to the name of Bhartruhari Mahtab. Bhartruhari Mahtab has been a member of the Lok Sabha for seven consecutive terms without a break and at this time he is the longest-serving member,” Rijiju stated.
He further clarified that the pro-tem speaker’s role is temporary, lasting only until the election of the new speaker. “They do not have to do any business transactions or anything, and the pro-tem speaker has a limited role,” he added.
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