Om Birla 2.0: NDA candidate elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha

NDA candidate Om Birla was declared the Lok Sabha speaker on Wednesday, moments after a motion moved by PM Narendra Modi was supported by voice votes. This is the fifth time that a Speaker would serve beyond the tenure of one Lok Sabha.

"It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for second time," the Prime Minister said in his address, acknowledging Birla's contributions to the nation. "Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy. I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years," Modi said.

The Opposition led by INDIA bloc had fielded K Suresh as their candidate, however, the votes were in favour of Birla.


"The Opposition would like to assist you in your work, I am confident you will allow us to speak in the House," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said. "The government may have political power, but opposition also represents voice of the people. By allowing opposition to speak, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India," Gandhi added.

The election for the Lok Sabha Speaker has only occurred three times in history: in 1952, 1967, and 1976. Traditionally, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are chosen through a consensus between the ruling party and the Opposition.

This time, Birla, a three-time MP from Kota, Rajasthan, competed against Congress' Suresh, an eight-term MP from Mavelikara, Kerala. Suresh is the longest-serving parliamentarian in the 18th Lok Sabha. With 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the NDA holds a clear majority. In contrast, the opposition INDIA bloc has 234 MPs.

Lok Sabha speaker drama

The Opposition has accused the ruling coalition government of not following the "convention" of an opposition candidate for the Deputy Speaker's position and announcing the decision to field a candidate against Birla.

Suresh said it is not about winning or losing, but about a convention that Speaker will be of ruling party and deputy speaker from the opposition.

"Last two Lok Sabhas, they denied us deputy speaker's post because they said you are not recognised as the opposition. Now we are recognised as the opposition, (and) deputy speaker post is our right. But they are not ready to give us. Till 11.50, we were waiting for reply from government's side but they did not give any reply," he told reporters earlier.

However, NDA leaders said that there is no scope for "pressure politics."

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on June 24 and will conclude on July 3. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3. On June 27, President Murmu is scheduled to address a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.