OM Birla to serve as LS Speaker for the 2nd term

Om Birla, the ruling BJP-led NDA nominee was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha for a second consecutive term by a voice vote on Wednesday- June 26, 2024.

It is a rare occurrence as Lok Sabha Speaker position is usually filled through consensus between the ruling party and the opposition. 

But this year, the Lok Sabha had a disputed election for the Lok Sabha Speaker position between Om Birla- a three-time BJP MP from Kota, Rajasthan and INDIA bloc's candidate, Kodikunnil Suresh- a Congress MP from Mavelikara, Kerala after the NDA government and the Opposition couldn't agree.

Birla was quickly voted in by a oral vote, after which Modi stood up to congratulate him and told how Balram Jhakar was the initial Speaker who returned to the position after five consecutive years and now it was Birla's term to guide the parties. 

PM Modi also recalled some of the historic decisions taken by Birla during his first term such as the Nari Shakti Adhineeyam, Nyay Sanhita bills, Data Protection Bill etc. 

On the other hand, the opposition led by Rahul Gandhi also announced his hopes that Birla would allow his party to express their opinions and that they would be 'heard'. 

After the proceedings, Birla stated in his speech that while constructive criticism of government policies is encouraged, there should not be any intentional disturbance of the proceedings. He also stressed on the point that the behaviour of the MP s should be courteous and that a 'meaningful' conversation should take place in a healthy environment.