Om Birla has been elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker for the second consecutive time, making him the first BJP leader to serve in this coveted position for two terms. The election was conducted by voice vote, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House, Rahul Gandhi, congratulating him after he assumed the post. The NDA's majority was in favor of Birla, with 297 MPs voting for him, while the Opposition's candidate, Congress MP K. Suresh, received 232 votes. This is a significant win for the BJP and Birla, who have worked to gain the support of opposition parties for his candidacy.
Om Birla: A Stalwart of the BJP and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Om Birla, a seasoned politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive term, making him the first BJP leader to hold this prestigious position for two terms.
Early Life and Political Career
Om Birla was born on 23 November 1962 in Kota, Rajasthan. He graduated with a law degree from Maharana Mewar College and entered politics in 1991 as a member of the BJP's youth wing.
Birla's political journey gained momentum when he was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in 2003. He served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Sports and later as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. In 2014, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Kota-Bundi constituency and was appointed Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
In 2019, Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha. He played a crucial role in ensuring smooth functioning of the House during its tenure. His impartiality and commitment to upholding the dignity of the legislature earned him widespread respect across party lines.
Following the 2024 general elections, Birla was again elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. This election marks a significant milestone in his political career and reflects the trust and confidence that both the government and the opposition have in his leadership.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Om Birla
Q1: What is the significance of Om Birla's second consecutive term as Speaker? A: Birla is the first BJP leader to serve two consecutive terms as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a testament to his impartial leadership and the trust he has earned from both the government and the opposition.
Q2: What are the key responsibilities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha? A: The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha, ensures the smooth functioning of the House, interprets the rules of procedure, and protects the rights and privileges of the members.
Q3: How was Om Birla elected as Speaker? A: Birla was elected through a voice vote, with 297 MPs supporting his candidature while the opposition candidate received 232 votes.
Q4: What are some of Om Birla's achievements as Speaker? A: During his first term as Speaker, Birla introduced several reforms to streamline parliamentary proceedings, including live-streaming of question hours and allowing members to ask supplementary questions. He also played a key role in promoting dialogue and consensus-building across party lines.
Q5: What are Om Birla's priorities for his second term as Speaker? A: Birla has stated that he will continue to focus on enhancing the accountability of the government, facilitating constructive debates, and preserving the dignity and decorum of the Lok Sabha.
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After much anticipation, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first of two scheduled presidential debates for the 2024 campaign. Moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the debate will be streamed live and can be watched in its entirety. ABC News is also providing coverage before and after the debate, and a Spanish language version will also be available. Make sure to tune in and stay informed on the issues at hand!
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