Om Birla appointed Lok Sabha speaker after winning voice-vote
Om Birla, a three-time BJP MP, was re-elected as the Lok Sabha speaker on Wednesday, prevailing over the INDIA bloc’s candidate K Suresh in an uncommon voice vote contest.
Birla was visibly pleased as he assumed the speaker’s chair, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Before escorting Birla to his seat, PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi shared smiles and a handshake.
PM Modi extended his congratulations to Birla on his re-election, emphasising the significance of his role. “On behalf of the House, I congratulate you. It is a tremendous responsibility to hold this position for the second time during the ‘Amrit Kaal’. With your experience, we trust you will guide us over the next five years. Your sweet smile brings joy to the entire House,” the prime minister remarked.
Rahul Gandhi, in a white ensemble, also congratulated Birla on behalf of the entire INDIA alliance, recognising his role as the “final arbiter of that voice”.
“I congratulate you on your successful re-election for a second term. On behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance, I extend my best wishes. This House represents the voice of India’s people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice. While the government holds political power, the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s people, and this time, it represents a significantly larger portion than before,” Gandhi stated.
Gandhi further highlighted the necessity of cooperation and trust in the House, expressing the Opposition-led INDIA bloc’s commitment to supporting Birla in his responsibilities. “Cooperation must be based on trust. It is crucial that the voice of the Opposition is adequately represented in this House,” he added.
