Lok Sabha: PM Modi called Om Birla's last tenure historic; Rahul said- the House is the voice of the people

In his first address to the 18th Lok Sabha after Om Birla was elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi said, 'It is the good fortune of the House that you have been elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second time. Many congratulations to you and this entire House from me. Many best wishes to you from this entire House as well. You are getting a huge responsibility by occupying this post for the second time in this important event of Amritkaal. With your experience and our experience, we are confident that you will guide all of us. I am confident that you will continue to create new records at every step.'

'It is difficult for the Speaker to win for the second time'

The Prime Minister said, 'It is a record in itself to take over the charge of Speaker for the second time in the 18th Lok Sabha. Balram Jakhar ji was the first Speaker who was able to complete his term twice in a row. After him, now you are getting this opportunity. Most of the Speakers have either not contested elections or have not won. You can understand how difficult the job of the Speaker is that it becomes difficult for them to win. You have created a new history by winning again. Most of the MPs of this House are familiar with you and last time I said a lot of things about you. I will not repeat them today but the way you work as an MP is worth knowing and learning. Young MPs will also take inspiration from you. The way you ran the Swasth Maa and Swasth Shishu Abhiyan in your area is inspiring. You keep serving the people of your parliamentary constituency continuously. You have also given priority to encouraging youth in sports.'

'Historic work done under the chairmanship of Om Birla'

Praising the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha, PM Modi said, 'Your last tenure has been a historic period of parliamentary democracy. The work done in the House under your chairmanship is in itself a legacy of the House as well as yours. Under your chairmanship, many important social, economic, and civil laws including the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill, Jammu Kashmir Reorganization, Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, Muslim Women Marriage Rights Act, and Direct Tax were passed. The work that was not done in 70 years of independence was done under your chairmanship. There are many stages in the long journey of democracy. There are some occasions when we get a chance to set a record. The country will be proud of the 17th Lok Sabha even today and in the future.

'Parliament, a symbol of hope for the people of the country'

PM Modi said, 'Our Parliament House is not just four walls. It is a symbol of hope for the people of the country. The proceedings of Parliament make democracy stronger. The productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha was 97 percent and for that, along with all the members, you deserve special congratulations. In the difficult times of Corona, you called every MP and asked about their well-being. The work of Parliament did not stop during the time of Corona. The result of the decisions you took is that we have been able to work even in difficult times. You sometimes make decisions with strictness. You also suffered due to such decisions, but you chose the dignity of Parliament between the dignity of Parliament and personal pain. I am confident that you will not only succeed, but under your chairmanship, this Parliament will also fulfill the aspirations of the country. I congratulate you and this Parliament very much.'

Rahul Gandhi said- listen to the opposition too

Congratulating Om Birla on being elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said, 'I want to congratulate you for being elected Speaker for the second time. I want to congratulate you on behalf of the entire opposition and the INDIA alliance. This House represents the voice of the people of India and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government has political power but the opposition also represents the voice of the people of India and this time the opposition has represented the voice of the Indian people more than last time. The opposition would like to assist you in your work. We want the House to run often and well. There must be cooperation based on trust. The voice of the opposition must be represented in this House.'