New Delhi, June 26: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Om Birla was elected Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on Wednesday. With this, Birla assumed the post of Lok Sabha Speaker for the second consecutive time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulated Om Birla and escorted him to the chair.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju thanked BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab for discharging the duties of Protem Speaker.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address, “Respected Speaker, it is the good fortune of the House that you are occupying this chair for the second time. I congratulate you and the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years.”
Modi said that Birla’s experience of being the Speaker in the previous term will help him take the country forward.
The Prime Minister recalled Om Birla’s tenure as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha and praised his decisions. He said that the work that could not be done in 70 years of independence has been made possible by this House under your chairmanship. There are many milestones in the long journey of democracy. There are some occasions when we get the opportunity to set milestones. I am confident that the country will be proud of the achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha.
The Prime Minister said that your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy. Birla’s work as an MP will be a source of inspiration for the new Lok Sabha members.
On this occasion, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said that congratulations to you on behalf of the entire opposition and the INDIA alliance.