Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Friday criticised the Union government for ignoring the convention of appointing the senior-most member and eight-term MP Kodikunnil Suresh of the Congress as pro tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.
In separate statements, the leaders condemned the decision to appoint Bharatiya Janata Party MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, seven-term MP from Cuttack, as pro tem Speaker for the first two days when oath is administered to all newly elected MPs.
Mr. Vijayan said the decision flouted established parliamentary norms and showed the BJP’s blatant disregard for democratic principles.
“By overlooking Kodikunnil Suresh, the senior-most MP in the 18th Lok Sabha, they undermine our parliamentary traditions. It smacks of the Sangh Parivar’s revanchist, casteist politics that discriminates against marginalised communities. During the previous Lok Sabha term, the post of Deputy Speaker was kept vacant for five years. Their attitude of not accepting anyone from the Opposition benches to the position led to such a situation. We must stay vigilant in protecting our democratic values and demand fair practices in our legislative bodies,” said Mr.Vijayan.
Mr. Satheesan said the denial of pro tem Speaker post to Mr.Suresh was anti-democratic and exposed the BJP’s anti-Dalit face.
“The decision not to make Suresh, who belongs to the Dalit community, the pro tem Speaker is part of the sectarian politics followed by the BJP and the Sangh Parivar. Such violation of parliamentary norms even in a situation in which the BJP has not secured an absolute majority is a challenge to the will of the people and the democratic system of the country. It also shows the BJP’s disregard and contempt for Kerala,” said Mr. Satheesan.
