In a landmark event, BJP MP Om Birla has been re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, marking his second consecutive term in this prestigious role. This victory, achieved against the India Alliance candidate, is the first of its kind in 48 years, emphasizing the significance of this election.
The election became necessary due to the lack of consensus between the ruling party and the opposition regarding the Speaker’s position. The process began on Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing Om Birla’s name, supported by Rajnath Singh and several NDA MPs. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant nominated K. Suresh on behalf of the India Alliance, backed by many opposition MPs.
Voting was conducted orally, and Protem Speaker Bhartrihari Mahatab announced Om Birla’s victory. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi escorted Birla to the Speaker’s chair. Congratulations poured in from various members of the Lok Sabha, including Modi and Rahul Gandhi.
Om Birla joins the ranks of only four other individuals who have held the Speaker’s post for two consecutive terms, following in the footsteps of MA Iyengar, GS Dhillon, Balaram Jhakhad, and GMC Balayogi. Notably, Balaram Jhakhad is the only one among them who completed a full ten-year tenure.
At 61, Om Birla, who secured his third term as MP from Kota, Rajasthan, in 2014, has an impressive record with 86 percent attendance in the Lok Sabha and 671 questions asked. His re-election as Speaker in 2019 was unexpected but celebrated, and his recent victory further solidifies his esteemed position in Indian politics.
