India, Oct. 25 -- The inaugural sitting of the newly elected Haryana assembly began with unexpected drama on Friday when Congress members objected to Raghuvir Singh Kadian being addressed as acting instead of pro-tem Speaker.

Bharat Bhushan Batra of the Congress voiced his disapproval to addressing Kadian, 80, the senior most member of the House and seven-time party MLA, as acting Speaker. Instead, Batra said, Kadian should be called pro-tem Speaker. He argued that the term pro-tem holds constitutional significance, emphasising its temporary and specific role until the Speaker of the assembly is elected. "Addressing him (Kadian) acting Speaker is not only erroneous but also an insult to the legislature," Batra said.

He was backed by for...