Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), June 21: Bhartruhari Mahtab, a prominent BJP leader from Odisha, has been appointed as the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. At 66 years old, Mahtab has served as a seven-time Lok Sabha MP representing the Cuttack constituency.
Having initially been elected as an MP in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 under the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) banner, Mahtab joined the BJP before the 2024 elections. He secured victory with a margin of approximately 57,000 votes over his BJD rival, Santrupt Misra.
“President is pleased to appoint Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member, Lok Sabha as Speaker Protem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of Speaker till election of the Speaker,” announced Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
As Pro Tem Speaker, Mahtab’s role includes administering the oath to newly elected Members of Parliament of the 18th Lok Sabha. This temporary position is traditionally held by the seniormost MP until a Speaker is formally elected. The 18th Parliament is scheduled to convene on June 24.
