New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday urged the newly formed 18th Lok Sabha to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people. Birla took oath as the speaker after a voice vote in what was the first election to the post in decades. Birla was up against INDIA bloc candidate K Suresh. The opposition however did not press for a division vote and Birla was elected speaker for the second time. He had earlier served as speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.
"The NDA government has been formed for the third consecutive term under the leadership of PM Modi. In the last decade, the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the people have increased. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to make collective efforts to fulfil their expectations and aspirations effectively," Om Birla said.
"This 18th Lok Sabha is the world's largest celebration of democracy. Despite other challenges, more than 64 crore voters participated in the elections with great enthusiasm. On behalf of the House, I express my gratitude to them and the people of the country. I thank the Election Commission for conducting the election process in a fair, unbiased and transparent manner and for the efforts made by them to ensure that even a single vote is cast in remote areas," Birla added
In his address to the house, Birla condemned the Congress-led government's decision to impose an emergency in 1975 and the house also maintained a two-minute silence for the people who lost their lives during the period.
Also Read: https://www.thehawk.in/posts/om-birla-elected-speaker-of-18th-lok-sabha-by-voice-vote