Om Birla, the NDA’s nominee, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for a second term. His election was confirmed on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s motion was adopted through voice votes. Pro-tem Speaker B Mahtab announced Birla’s election following the Opposition’s decision not to press for votes on their candidate, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh.

“I announce Om Birla elected as the Speaker,” Mahtab declared. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, approached Birla’s seat in the front row of the treasury benches to escort him to the Speaker’s chair. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, also joined them, greeting Birla and shaking hands with the Prime Minister.

As Birla was escorted to the chair, Mahtab welcomed him, saying, “It is your chair, please occupy.” Prime Minister Modi expressed his honor at Birla’s re-election, stating, “It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for a second time. I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years.”

In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Birla’s exemplary work as a parliamentarian, suggesting it should serve as an inspiration for new Lok Sabha members. “Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy,” Modi remarked. He further praised the accomplishments under Birla’s chairmanship, noting, “The works that didn’t happen during 70 years of independence, were made possible by this House under your chairmanship. Several milestones come in the long journey of democracy. A few occasions are such when we receive the opportunity to establish milestones. I am very confident that the country will be proud of the achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha.”