New Delhi: Three-time MP Om Birla of the BJP has returned as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha after defeating the Congress’ eight-time MP from Kerala’s Mavelikara Kodikunnil Suresh in the election to the post on Wednesday.
The contest — a first in 48 years — came after the Opposition accused the ruling National Democratic Alliance of snubbing them by refusing to yield the Deputy Speaker’s post.
The motion to elect Om Birla to the chair was moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was adopted by a voice vote with the pro-tem Speaker announcing that the Ayes have it.
The first speech after Om Birla stepped into the chair was made by Prime Minister who told the beaming speaker that it is an honour to the House to have you in the chair for a second term.
The Prime Minister expressed that the hope that Om Birla’s five years of experience as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha will help him steer the House in the right direction and lead it to newer heights.
