Amidst the anticipation surrounding the election of the new Speaker for the Odisha Assembly, Ranendra Pratap Swain steps into the interim role of pro-tem Speaker.
· As a distinguished 8-time MLA hailing from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Swain’s appointment as pro-tem Speaker underscores his significant contributions to Odisha’s political landscape.
· The primary responsibility bestowed upon Swain as pro-tem Speaker is to administer the oath of office to the newly-elected MLAs during the forthcoming Assembly sessions slated for June 18 and 19.
· The designation of pro-tem Speaker carries temporal significance, particularly in scenarios where the Speaker’s position remains vacant.
· At 70, Swain brings a wealth of experience and wisdom garnered from his longstanding tenure as the representative of the Athagarh constituency in Cuttack district since 1990.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding the election of the new Speaker for the Odisha Assembly, Ranendra Pratap Swain, the esteemed Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Athgarh, steps into the interim role of pro-tem Speaker. Governor Raghubar Das, recognizing Swain’s seasoned experience and parliamentary acumen, has entrusted him with the pivotal task of overseeing the commencement of legislative proceedings.
As a distinguished 8-time MLA hailing from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Swain’s appointment as pro-tem Speaker underscores his significant contributions to Odisha’s political landscape. The primary responsibility bestowed upon Swain as pro-tem Speaker is to administer the oath of office to the newly-elected MLAs during the forthcoming Assembly sessions slated for June 18 and 19. This ceremonial duty not only marks the official induction of legislators into their roles but also sets the stage for the subsequent election of the Assembly’s Speaker. With BJP MLA Surama Padhy from Ranpur poised to assume this pivotal role, Swain’s interim stewardship lays the groundwork for the smooth transition of legislative authority.
The designation of pro-tem Speaker carries temporal significance, particularly in scenarios where the Speaker’s position remains vacant. Swain’s adept handling of procedural matters and his impartial conduct during the inaugural sessions exemplify his pivotal role in upholding parliamentary decorum and facilitating constructive deliberations
At 70 years old, Swain brings a wealth of experience and wisdom garnered from his longstanding tenure as the representative of the Athagarh constituency in Cuttack district since 1990. His recent electoral triumph in the 2024 elections, securing victory over his BJP counterpart, Abhaya Kumar Barik, by a notable margin of 3584 votes, underscores his enduring rapport with the electorate and his steadfast commitment to public service.
In accordance with constitutional protocols, Swain’s interim stewardship as pro-tem Speaker lays the foundation for the formal election of the Assembly’s Speaker. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their nominations for the Speaker’s post by June 19, followed by the assembly election scheduled for June 20. Through his tenure as pro-tem Speaker, Swain epitomizes the resilience and adaptability inherent in Odisha’s legislative dynamics, embodying a steadfast commitment to parliamentary democracy and public welfare.
(With inputs from agencies)
