Om Birla elected as speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha
- In Reports
- 12:10 PM, Jun 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
Om Birla, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance nominee, was re-elected as Lok Sabha Speaker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved the motion, which was adopted through voice votes. With this victory, Birla became the first Speaker in 39 years to retain the post in the Lower House.
A group of senior leaders, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moved a total of 16 motions, with 13 supporting Om Birla. The Congress nominated MP Kodikunnil Suresh but did not press for votes on the motion. Consequently, pro tem Speaker B Mahtab declared Birla's victory.
"I announce Om Birla elected as the speaker," Mahtab said. "Since the first motion moved by Narendra Modi has been adopted, other motions are infructuous," Mahtab added.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh noted that the Opposition had requested a division (voting by ballots). However, Mahtab, who had already declared Birla the winner, responded, "We have passed that stage."
In keeping with parliamentary tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted Om Birla to the Speaker's seat, where pro tem Speaker B Mahtab awaited him.
PM Modi congratulated Birla on his victory and stated that Birla's experience as Speaker in the previous term would assist him in guiding the country further.
In his first speech as Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi assured Birla of the opposition’s cooperation in the smooth functioning of the House. He said, “This House represents the voice of India’s people. You are the final arbitrator. The government has political power, but the Opposition represents significantly more voices of Indian people this time.”
Gandhi added, “The Opposition would like to assist you in doing your work. We want the House to function often and well. Cooperation must happen based on trust. It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House.”
Rahul Gandhi expressed his confidence that the Speaker would allow the Opposition to speak, emphasising the importance of hearing all voices in the House. He stated, “The question is not how efficiently the House is run. The question is how much of India’s voice can be heard. The idea that you can run the House efficiently by silencing the Opposition is non-democratic.”
The focus remained on AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who sparked controversy by chanting "Jai Palestine" at the end of his oath as an MP on the second day of the 18th Lok Sabha session on Tuesday. His words angered the BJP, leading Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje to file a formal complaint against him.
Owaisi defended his statement, saying, "They are oppressed people. Everyone is saying a lot of things. I just said ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine’. How is it against the Constitution? Show me where this provision is there in the Constitution.”
Asaduddin Owaisi, MP and president of AIMIM, defended his controversial "Jai Palestine" slogan during his oath in Parliament. When questioned, he responded, “You should also listen to what others say. I said what I had to. Read what Mahatma Gandhi had said about Palestine.”
In addition to mentioning Palestine, Owaisi took his oath in Urdu and recited a prayer beforehand. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, without directly naming Palestine, remarked, “India doesn’t have enmity with any country. But MPs should restrain from hailing other countries in such a manner.”
The incident caused a brief ruckus in the session, delaying the oath-taking for a few minutes. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which Palestine claims as part of its territory, has intensified global divisions.
Congress MP from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi, took his oath holding a copy of the Constitution and concluded with "Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan." He has prominently displayed the Indian Constitution since Monday. When Gandhi approached the dais to take his oath, Congress members chanted "Jodo jodo, Bharat jodo."
Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, made a significant statement about the ongoing NEET controversy expected to escalate once Parliament's regular sessions begin after the President's address. Yadav wore a T-shirt emblazoned with “#reneet” when he took his oath in the Lok Sabha. He began with “Bihar Zindabad” and concluded with slogans demanding a NEET-UG re-examination and special category status for Bihar.
“There was no discussion on NEET or special status for Bihar. That is why I said re-NEET and special status,” he told reporters. However, it is important to note that discussions cannot occur until MPs have taken their oaths and the President has addressed both Houses.
Image source: India Today
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