The re-election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker today was marked by a brief moment of unity and cordiality. Smiles and handshakes were exchanged between rivals, including a congratulatory gesture from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Mr. Birla. Mr. Gandhi also shook hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, they escorted Mr. Birla to the Speaker's chair.

Prime Minister Modi lauded Mr. Birla, noting his "sweet smile keeps the entire House happy" and expressing honor at his re-election to the chair. Opposition leaders also extended their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Opposition to speak freely as representatives of the people's voice.

Mr. Gandhi, now the Leader of the Opposition, stressed the need for the House to allow India's voice to be heard, criticizing the idea of silencing the Opposition for efficient running of the House as undemocratic. He highlighted the expectation of the people of India for the Opposition to defend the Constitution, referencing the mass suspension of MPs in the previous term. Other Opposition leaders echoed this sentiment in their messages.

In his address, Mr. Birla called for unity among members to work for the nation and urged them to maintain decorum in the House. He emphasized the distinction between protests in the parliament (sansad) and those on the streets (sadak). However, when Mr. Birla requested a two-minute silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the "dark days of Emergency," it led to an uproar from the Opposition benches, resulting in the House being adjourned.

The re-election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker today was marked by a brief moment of unity and cordiality. Smiles and handshakes were exchanged between rivals, including a congratulatory gesture from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Mr. Birla. Mr. Gandhi also shook hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, they escorted Mr. Birla to the Speaker's chair.

Prime Minister Modi lauded Mr. Birla, noting his "sweet smile keeps the entire House happy" and expressing honor at his re-election to the chair. Opposition leaders also extended their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Opposition to speak freely as representatives of the people's voice.

Mr. Gandhi, now the Leader of the Opposition, stressed the need for the House to allow India's voice to be heard, criticizing the idea of silencing the Opposition for efficient running of the House as undemocratic. He highlighted the expectation of the people of India for the Opposition to defend the Constitution, referencing the mass suspension of MPs in the previous term. Other Opposition leaders echoed this sentiment in their messages.

In his address, Mr. Birla called for unity among members to work for the nation and urged them to maintain decorum in the House. He emphasized the distinction between protests in the parliament (sansad) and those on the streets (sadak). However, when Mr. Birla requested a two-minute silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the "dark days of Emergency," it led to an uproar from the Opposition benches, resulting in the House being adjourned.