Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his wishes to Om Birla for being elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha and said that it is a huge responsibility to sit in this post for the second time during the Amrit Kaal.
PM Modi also asserted that the decision taken in the 17th Lok Sabha under the presidency of Om Birla will be considered a golden period in parliamentary history.
“Respected Speaker, it is the good fortune of this House that you are occupying this chair for the second time. I congratulate you and the entire House on your re-election. It is a huge responsibility, especially during the Amrit Kaal. With your experience, we hope you will guide us well for the next five years,” said PM Modi.
He further acknowledged the rarity of a Speaker serving a second consecutive term, noting that the last person to do so was Balram Jakhar after five years. Modi expressed confidence that Birla’s work ethic and approach would inspire the younger members of Parliament.
“The historical decisions made in the Parliament under your leadership are a legacy of this institution and of you personally. When future generations analyze the 17th Lok Sabha, they will recognize its pivotal role in shaping India’s future,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the impressive productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha, which he noted was the highest in 25 years at 97 percent. He lauded Birla’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that he ensured the well-being of every MP while maintaining the House’s functionality, which saw a productivity increase of 170 percent during that challenging time.
PM Modi also reflected on the 17th Lok Sabha’s significant contributions to India’s future, attributing many landmark decisions to Birla’s chairmanship. He mentioned key legislation passed during this period, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, the Bharatiya Nyaye Sanhita, and several others, which he believes have laid a strong foundation for the country.
The house echoed with ‘Ayes’ and ‘Noes’ and the pro-tem speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab declared Om Birla as the Speaker of the lower house. The opposition which had filed K Suresh as the Speaker candidate of the INDIA bloc did not press for a division vote.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also extended wishes to Birla and accompanied him to the chair along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and PM Modi.
(with inputs from ANI)