Chandigarh, 25 October, 2024: The first session of the newly elected Haryana Assembly opened with unexpected contention Friday, as Congress members protested the designation of Raghuvir Singh Kadian as “acting” Speaker instead of “pro-tem Speaker.”
Bharat Bhushan Batra, a Congress MLA, objected to referring to Kadian—an 80-year-old seven-term legislator and the House’s most senior member—as acting Speaker, arguing that “pro-tem” is the correct and constitutionally significant term for the temporary role.
“Addressing him as acting Speaker is not only erroneous but also an insult to the legislature,” Batra asserted, underscoring the constitutional importance of precise terminology.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda supported Batra’s objection, adding that the label “acting Speaker” disregarded procedural standards. “Referring to you as acting Speaker instead of pro-tem Speaker is an insult to the Chair,” Hooda said, demanding that the records be amended to reflect the correct term.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini responded by pointing out that “acting Speaker” was also used during the 2005 and 2009 inaugurations, implying that this phrasing had historical precedence. “The choice of words is neither unprecedented nor incorrect by past standards,” Saini said, aiming to downplay the controversy.
However, Batra was quick to counter: “If the illegality was committed once, it does not mean it should be continued.” Hooda added that if incorrect terminology had indeed been used in 2009, it should have been challenged then, underscoring Congress’s call for adherence to constitutional language.
Kadian, himself a former Speaker, backed Batra and Hooda, stating, “The term pro-tem means Speaker for the day, while acting Speaker has a different connotation,” reinforcing Congress’s stance on upholding the correct title.
Despite Saini’s justification, the debate persisted, with Congress members insisting that precise language is vital to maintaining the assembly’s dignity. Ultimately, Saini conceded that the records would be amended, prompting Kadian to affirm, “The sense of the House is approved.”
The exchange underscores the longstanding rivalry between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, foreshadowing a likely contentious term as Haryana’s government embarks on its legislative journey.
