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.
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.