Lok Sabha‘s Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, congratulated Om Birla on being elected as the Speaker of the lower house. Gandhi stated that the Opposition would assist in running the house properly but emphasized that cooperation should be based on trust. He highlighted that the Speaker’s duty is not only to run the House smoothly but also to defend the Constitution of India.
Rahul Gandhi said, “I would like to congratulate you on your successful re-election. On behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance, I congratulate you. This House represents the voice of India’s people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice.”
“The government holds political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s people. This time, the Opposition represents significantly more voices than it did last time. We want to assist you in your work and ensure the House functions effectively. It is crucial that cooperation happens based on trust and that the voice of the Opposition is represented in this House,” he added.
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav also congratulated Om Birla, stating that there should be no discrimination and the Opposition’s voice should not be muzzled.
NDA nominee Om Birla was elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker on Wednesday. The election followed a motion moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was adopted through voice votes. Pro-tem Speaker B Mahtab announced Birla’s election after the Opposition, which had proposed Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh as its candidate, did not push for a vote.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, escorted Birla to the Speaker’s chair. Rahul Gandhi joined them, greeting Birla and shaking hands with the Prime Minister.
As Birla took his place, Mahtab welcomed him, saying, “It is your chair, please occupy.” Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the significance of Birla’s re-election, stating, “It is a matter of honor that you have been elected to this chair for a second time.”
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Birla on behalf of the entire House, expressing anticipation for his guidance over the next five years. “I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years,” he said.
In his address, Prime Minister 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 noted.
