Rahul walks side-by-side with Modi to welcome Om Birla

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the newly re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, walking side by side and shaking hands in Parliament.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju approached Mr Birla’s seat in the front row of the treasury benches to escort him to the Speaker’s chair, accompanied by Rahul Gandhi.

It has started, Rahul Gandhi Ji was seen for the first time with Narendra Modi in any parliamentary procedure. 🔥

He congratulated the speaker. And it’s gonna continue.

Congratulations LoP @RahulGandhi Ji! pic.twitter.com/iQP5tLeDQn

— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) June 26, 2024

“It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for the second time,” PM Modi said, congratulating Mr Birla. “I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years. Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy.”

ALSO READ: Speaker election: LoP Rahul, PM Modi shake hands on Om Birla’s win

“I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire opposition and the INDIA alliance,” said Rahul Gandhi. “You are the final arbiter of people’s voice. The government may have political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of the people. The opposition would like to assist you in your work, and I am confident you will allow us to speak in the House.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had moved the motion to elect Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker, seconded by Union Minister Rajnath Singh and JD(U) leader Lalan Singh.

Any Body Language expert available? pic.twitter.com/4QSAyTjCPv

— Reshma Alam (@Reshma_alamD) June 26, 2024

The Speaker election became necessary after the NDA and INDIA bloc failed to agree on a candidate.

The opposition INDIA bloc nominated K Suresh against Om Birla, who became Lok Sabha speaker for the second straight time. NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, along with other INDIA bloc leaders, supported K Suresh’s candidacy.

During the proceedings, TMC’s Sudeep remarked to Birla, “Sometimes you bow down to the ruling party’s pressure.” DMK MP T R Balu stated, “You may have been elected on a lotus symbol, but there should be no politics between you and the members from now on.”