A day after the government announced Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a political storm erupted with the Opposition accusing the government of violating parliamentary norms. The Congress party, backed by its INDIA bloc ally CPI(M), claimed that the position should have gone to the most senior MP, Kodikunnil Suresh of Congress.
The Congress has alleged that Suresh was overlooked due to his Dalit identity, suggesting a bias in the appointment process. Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh criticized the government’s decision, stating, “One more reason (for not giving the post to Suresh) that comes to mind is… that Narendra Modi is anti-Dalit. Suresh is a Dalit.” He described the decision as reflective of the BJP’s “confrontational and bulldozer politics mindset.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed these sentiments, attributing the decision to “upper caste politics.” He demanded clarity from the Union Government on why Suresh, the longest-serving member of the House, was neglected. Vijayan stated, “Has BJP got an answer to those who suspect that Sangh Parivar’s upper caste politics had worked behind this decision?”
Vijayan also pointed out the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker position, traditionally held by the Opposition, in the 17th Lok Sabha. He interpreted this as the BJP’s refusal to acknowledge the role of the Opposition in a democracy. “It shows that the BJP will not accept anyone in the Opposition. It can be seen only as a challenge to Indian democracy,” he said.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore added to the criticism, highlighting the seniority and identity of Suresh. “K Suresh is an eight-term Dalit MP and the BJP opted for a seven-term upper class MP against a Dalit even for a pro tem Speaker post. What does that show?” he questioned.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the appointment, citing the Westminster system. He clarified that the pro tem Speaker is chosen based on the longest uninterrupted tenure, not necessarily the most senior MP.