BJP's Om Birla reelected as Lok Sabha Speaker, PM Modi extends congratulations

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Om Birla was reelected as the Speaker of the lower house of the Indian Parliament on Wednesday (Jun 26) for a second term. Birla occupied the Speaker's seat in the previous, 17th Lok Sabha as well. He defeated the oppositioncandidate K Suresh in a rare Speaker electionthat has taken place just thrice in the past.

Shortly after the election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated MP Om Birla, saying, “It’s the good luck of the house that you have taken this chair for the second time.”

The election, marred with discontent by the opposition, saw a rare bonhomie as the leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi walked up to Birla to congratulate him. Later, Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted him to the Speaker's chair. PM Modi said Birla's "sweet smile keeps the entire House happy".

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The opposition, on the other hand, struck a cautious tone, urging the Speaker to respect the opposition as they also represent the people of this country.

Rahul Gandhi said he was confident that Birla would allow them to speak.

Watch:India: Om Birla vs K Suresh | Government vs Opposition speaker

"I am confident that you will allow us to speak. The question is not how efficiently the House is run. The question is how much of India's voice is being allowed to be heard. So the idea that you can run the House efficiently by silencing the voice of the Opposition is a non-democratic idea. And this election has shown that the people of India expect the Opposition to defend the Constitution," Gandhi said.

Government not considering Deputy Speaker post

As the speaker's election draws to a close, the government has made clear it is not considering the post of deputy speaker, thus rejecting the opposition's demand to allot them the key seat.

Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at the opposition, saying PM Modi was expecting cooperation from the opposition but he was not ready to cooperate.

(With inputs from agencies)