Om Birla Re-Elected as Lok Sabha Speaker, Defeats INDIA Bloc’s K Suresh

Om Birla, a three-time BJP MP, secured a second term as the Lok Sabha Speaker on Tuesday, triumphing over the INDIA bloc’s candidate K Suresh in a rare voice vote contest.

Ceremony and Celebrations

With a broad smile, Birla took his seat as Speaker, a moment marked by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who escorted him to the chair. Notably, PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi exchanged smiles and shook hands before accompanying the new Speaker.

Congratulatory Remarks

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Birla on his re-election, emphasizing the significance of his role during the “Amrit Kaal.” He expressed confidence in Birla’s leadership and praised his positive demeanor. “I want to congratulate you on behalf of the House. It is a huge responsibility for you to sit on this post for the second time during the Amrit Kaal. With your experience, we hope that you will guide us for the next 5 years. The sweet smile on your face keeps the entire House happy,” said Modi.

Rahul Gandhi, dressed in a white ensemble, extended his congratulations on behalf of the entire INDIA alliance. He highlighted the importance of the Speaker’s role in representing the voice of the Indian people. “I would like to congratulate you for your successful election that you have been elected for the second time. I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance. This House represents the voice of India’s people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice,” said Gandhi.

Commitment to Cooperation

Gandhi also emphasized the need for cooperation and trust between the government and the opposition. He assured Birla of the opposition’s support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House. “It is very important that cooperation happens on the basis of trust. It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House,” he added.

Birla’s re-election marks a continued journey in his significant role as the Lok Sabha Speaker, with both the ruling party and opposition expressing their readiness to collaborate under his guidance.