As Bihar gears up for the establishment of the 18th Legislative Assembly, conversations have begun regarding the appointment of the Pro-tem Speaker. The selection panel for this position is currently being finalized, with a focus on MLAs who have served more than eight terms. The Pro-tem Speaker plays a crucial role, administering the oath to newly elected MLAs and overseeing the election of the permanent Speaker of the House. JDU MLA Harinarayan Singh from Harnaut is viewed as the top candidate, boasting the longest legislative experience among all MLAs with ten elections—six from Chandi and four from Harnaut.
At 84 years of age, he is also the oldest MLA in the Assembly, providing him with a distinct edge in the selection process. Other senior leaders are also being considered, including Bijendra Prasad Yadav of the JDU and Prem Kumar of the BJP, both of whom have been elected nine times. BJP MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh, who has served eight terms, is another potential contender. The cabinet is expected to make a definitive decision on the appointment shortly after the new government is sworn in. Nitish Kumar will take his oath as Chief Minister for the 10th time on November 20.
Following the swearing-in, a cabinet meeting will convene to confirm the date for the inaugural meeting of the new Assembly and the identity of the Pro-tem Speaker. Once the proposal is finalized by the cabinet, it will be forwarded to the Raj Bhavan for approval. With the term of the 17th Assembly concluding on November 19, efforts are in place to facilitate a seamless transition to the 18th Assembly.
