Newly elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged the members of the lower house on Wednesday to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
Birla took the oath as Speaker following a voice vote, marking the first election to the post in decades. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate and MP from Kota, Birla was pitted against INDIA bloc candidate K. Suresh. However, the opposition did not press for a division vote, and Birla was elected Speaker for the second time, having previously served as Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.
“The NDA government has been formed for the third consecutive term under the leadership of PM Modi. In the last decade, the expectations, hopes, and aspirations of the people have increased. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to make collective efforts to fulfill their expectations and aspirations effectively,” Birla said.
“This 18th Lok Sabha is the world’s largest celebration of democracy. Despite challenges, more than 64 crore voters participated in the elections with great enthusiasm. On behalf of the House, I express my gratitude to them and the people of the country. I thank the Election Commission for conducting the election process in a fair, unbiased, and transparent manner and for the efforts made by them to ensure that even a single vote is cast in remote areas,” Birla added.
In his address to the House, Birla condemned the Congress-led government’s decision to impose the Emergency in 1975, with the Lok Sabha observing a two-minute silence for those who lost their lives during that period.
“This House strongly condemns the decision to impose the Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those who opposed the Emergency, fought, and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. June 25, 1975, will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India,” Birla said.
“The democratic values of India were crushed, and freedom of expression was strangled,” he added.
The resolution condemning the imposition of the Emergency triggered protests by opposition parties. Subsequently, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until June 27.
(With ANI input)