During a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Speaker Om Birla engaged in a verbal exchange when Gandhi questioned why Birla bowed down to Prime Minister Modi but not to him when they shook hands on his election as the presiding officer. Birla responded saying it is a tradition to bow to elders, to which Gandhi said that the Speaker is the tallest leader of the House. Their exchange highlights the dynamics of power and hierarchy within the Indian political landscape.
In a daring move, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi displayed pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ in the Lok Sabha while emphasizing the opposition's adherence to their teachings. However, his action was met with opposition from Speaker Om Birla, who stated that it violated the House's rules. In his speech, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP and its pro-Hindu narrative, asserting that Hinduism is based on non-violence and resilience rather than fear, hatred, and falsehoods. This incident occurred during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in a parliamentary joint sitting.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed concern after Congress MP Deepender Hooda was reprimanded by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for chanting ‘Jai Samvidhan’ during Shashi Tharoor's oath-taking ceremony. The Speaker had earlier interrupted the opposition's chant, stating that Tharoor was already taking oath on the Constitution. This incident has raised questions about freedom of expression in Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reprimanded Congress MP Deepender Hooda for objecting to Shashi Tharoor chanting 'Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan' during his oath taking as a member of the House. The Speaker asserted that Tharoor was already taking oath on the Constitution and did not need to be interrupted. In response, Hooda was asked to take his seat and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the ruling party for objecting to the opposition's 'Jai Samvidhan' chants in Parliament.
In a move to revive the Indian Overseas Congress, Congress has once again appointed Sam Pitroda as its Chairman. Pitroda had previously resigned from the post following controversial statements he made about India's diversity. Meanwhile, in other political news, BJP MP Om Birla has won the contest for the Speaker's post against Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, and opposition parties will be raising the NEET-UG issue in Parliament today.
In light of the recent appointment of the Lok Sabha Speaker, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has sent a congratulatory message to Om Birla, stressing on the importance of promoting inclusive discussions in the parliament. Owaisi has emphasized the essential role of the Speaker in maintaining a fair and diverse parliamentary process where the opposition's perspectives are valued. By urging constructive dialogue from all sides, Owaisi has called for a robust democracy where varying viewpoints contribute to informed decision-making. This gesture from Owaisi highlights his commitment to parliamentary norms and ensuring the meaningful participation of all members in shaping India's legislative agenda.
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.
The recently elected Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla, has a rare distinction of being elected for a second consecutive term by a voice vote. However, this year saw a contested election for the Lok Sabha Speaker post between Birla and the INDIA bloc's nominee, Kodikunnil Suresh. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of who a Lok Sabha Speaker is, their role and responsibilities, appointment process, and a list of previous Speakers. With vast powers and responsibilities, the Speaker acts as an interpreter of constitutional provisions, presides over joint sessions, maintains order and decorum, and has the authority to cast a vote in case of a tie.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's appeal for a two-minute silence in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by the Indian government in 1975 sparked a stir in the Lower House as Opposition members raised slogans against the ruling Modi government. Birla strongly condemned the Emergency and its anti-democratic policies, highlighting the need to protect the principles of the Constitution and judicial independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Birla's statement and pointed out his historic reelection as Speaker after serving a full term, expressing confidence that he will continue to set new benchmarks.
On the third day of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla of the Bharatiya Janata Party was elected as the Speaker of the House through a voice vote, defeating opposition candidate Kodikkunil Suresh of the Congress. This was a rare contest for the Speaker post as the NDA government and the INDIA group of opposition parties could not reach a consensus. However, Mr. Birla had the majority with the support of the NDA and YSRCP. After his election, he was escorted to the Chair by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.