Pro-tem speaker holds key, BJP may push for its pick

Mumbai: In the engrossing political battle in the state, even the appointment of a pro-tem Speaker has assumed a lot of significance.

According to sources, the ruling BJP is planning to install its own person on the position.

The pro-tem Speaker has a limited role of administering oath to the newly-elected legislators and supervising the process of the election of a new speaker, who then conducts the floor test for the chief minister to prove his majority.
However, sources said the appointment of a pro-tem Speaker is the sole discretion of the governor.

“It is not mandatory for governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to follow the convention, and he can appoint any other person on that position,” said a senior official.