ALL AYES FOR BIRLA!

New Delhi: Lok Sabha MP Om Birla was elected as Lok Sabha Speaker Wednesday by a voice vote for the second time in a row. The Opposition did not press for a division of votes and protem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab declared Birla as elected, saying the “ayes have it”. With Birla’s election, Mahtab said, the other motions to propose and second the candidature of K Suresh became infructuous.

PM Modi and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom Congress has named LoP in LS, congratulated Birla as he took charge. While PM Modi recalled the milestones of his 1st term as Speaker, Rahul sought a voice for the Oppn and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav said he expects that members will not be suspended for raising their voices in the House. Modi said that Birla was becoming Speaker for second time after a full term, like Balram Jakhar.