NEW DELHI, June 26: NDA nominee Om Birla was elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker on Wednesday after a motion moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was adopted through voice votes. Pro-tem Speaker B Mahtab made the announcement after the opposition, which had proposed Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh as its candidate, did not push for a vote on the motion.
“I announce Om Birla elected as the Speaker,” Mahtab declared.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju went to Birla’s seat in the front row of the treasury benches to escort him to the chair. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also joined them, greeting Birla and shaking hands with the Prime Minister.
Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Rijiju then escorted Birla to the chair, where Mahtab welcomed him, saying, “It is your chair, please occupy.”
“It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for a second time,” Prime Minister Modi said. “I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years.”
In his address, Modi praised Birla’s work as a parliamentarian, suggesting it should serve as an inspiration for new Lok Sabha members. “Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy,” the Prime Minister added.
