Seven-term Lok Sabha member Bhartruhari Mahtab was appointed as the pro tem Speaker of the Lower House on Thursday. This announcement was made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The role of the pro tem Speaker is significant as they preside over the initial meeting of the Lower House of Parliament following general elections. Additionally, the pro tem Speaker oversees the session in which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected, especially in the case of a newly constituted House.
The selection of Bhartruhari Mahtab for the position of pro tem Speaker follows the BJP's strong electoral performance in Odisha. Mahtab, who had previously been a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the elections.
Bhartruhari Mahtab, the son of Odisha's former Chief Minister, Harekrushna Mahtab, had been associated with the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The 66-year-old veteran politician announced his resignation from the BJD in March, citing a decline in party activities over recent months. Shortly after his resignation, Mahtab joined the BJP.
With an extensive political career, Mahtab has been an MP for seven terms, representing the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat since 1998.
The BJP's impressive performance in Odisha during this election cycle led to a significant political shift. The party managed to end Naveen Patnaik's 24-year dominance in the state by winning 78 seats, surpassing the majority mark by four seats, and subsequently forming the state government. In contrast, the BJD secured 51 seats, the Congress won 14 seats, and the CPI(M) managed to win one seat.
Furthermore, in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP achieved a landslide victory in Odisha, winning 20 out of 21 seats, while the Congress managed to win just one seat.
