Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Om Birla on his re-election as Lok Sabha Speaker, expressing confidence that he will guide parliamentarians and play a big role in the House fulfilling people’s expectations.
The House elected Birla with a voice vote after opposition parties fielded Congress member K Suresh as its choice for the post.
Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were joined by the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in escorting Birla to the Speaker’s chair.
Congratulating him on his fresh term on behalf of the entire House, the prime minister lauded the third-term MP for his conduct as Speaker in the previous Lok Sabha and also as a parliamentarian.
Modi said Birla presided over a golden era in Lok Sabha’s history as a number of historic decisions were taken during its previous term.
Noting that he is the first Speaker after Balram Jakhar, who was in the Chair between 1980 and 1989, to get another term after serving a full tenure, the prime minister expressed confidence that he will continue to create new benchmarks.
Modi pointed out to a 20-year period when those elected speaker either did not contest elections or did not win an election after their appointment, and said it is Birla, who has scripted history by returning as Speaker after emerging victorious again.
The prime minister noted the previous Lok Sabha notched up to 97 per cent productivity, highest in 25 years, and said Birla ensured the House functioning even during the Covid period and maintained its dignity and decorum, at times by taking difficult decision.
He noted that the polite and humble personality of Birla and his winning smile help him in conducting the House. Modi also mentioned the personal touch and concern of the Speaker for the members during the pandemic.
Modi mentioned several “landmark” legislations that were passed under the speakership of Birla, including ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, Jammu Kashmir Reorganisation Bill and the three new criminal laws.
The prime minister also lauded the paperless work flow and the systematic briefing process initiated by Birla to boost discussions in the House and praised him for a very successful P-20 conference of presiding officers of legislative bodies of G-20 nations which was attended by a record number of countries.
On the other hand, celebrations erupted at Om Birla’s hometown too.
Slogans in support of PM Modi echoed at Rajasthan State party office as soon as Birla assumed the chair.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to PM Modi…. It is a moment of pride for the entire Hadouti region and Rajasthan. I wish the graceful dignity of the House (Lok Sabha) would never be lowered or disgraced,” Birla’s elder brother Hari Krishan Birla told the media.
The BJP state unit kicked off the celebrations soon after Birla was nominated for the post on Tuesday.
Party worker Sanjay Lathi said that grand celebrations will take place in Kota and Bundi in the evening.
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