On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla reached out to small parties after being unanimously elected to the post. He said he would run the House in an impartial manner and safeguard the interests of members. He confirmed that irrespective of the party strength, he would run the house impartially and saving the interest of members.
The proposal of choosing Birla as speaker was done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was supported by members of opposition parties. It included Congress, Biju Janata Dal, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Trinamool Congress.
“I will preside over the proceedings in accordance with rules and regulations and safeguard the interests of the members, irrespective of the strength of their parties in the House. I have been a member like you from 2014 to 2019. Here, we should raise the issues which matter to the last person standing in the row,” Birla said in his speech.
After Birla was elected unopposed, Modi welcomed Birla to the Lok Sabha. He addressed saying public service has been the focal point of Birla’s politics. After the election, Modi escorted Birla to the Speaker’s chair.
“It is a matter of great pride for the House. We all congratulate Om Birla on being unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Many MPs (members of Parliament) know Birla well. He has served in the state of Rajasthan as well,” Modi said addressing the House after Birla was elected to the post.
He added, “Personally, I remember working with Om Birla for a long time. He represents Kota, a place that is mini-India, land associated with education and learning. He has been in public life for years. He began as a student leader and has been serving society since then without a break.”
Birla has always been willing to serve the society, Modi said. He recalled his visit to help victims of the devastating floods in Uttarakhand and the earthquake in Kutch.
“We have come to the House so that it can grow. While respecting the boundaries of the House, we should make sure that just like our democracy is celebrated across the world, our practices in the House are celebrated,” Birla said.
Birla praised the central government and urging members for the smooth functioning of the House. He said, “We have a transparent government in the centre. The government should be responsible and answerable to the House. We should raise the questions and issues that come under the ambit of the central government.”
