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 pro-tem 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whom the Congress has named Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, congratulated Birla as he took charge.

While PM Modi recalled the milestones of his first term as Speaker, Rahul Gandhi sought a voice for the Opposition and Samajwadi Party (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 the second time after a full term, like Balram Jakhar. He added that such was the work of the Speaker that past Speakers often either did not contest another election or lost it.

"I want to congratulate you on behalf of the House. It is a huge responsibility for you to sit on this post for the second time during Amrit Kaal. With your experience, we hope that you will guide us for the next five years. Aapke chehre par ye meethi meethi muskaan poore sadan ko prasann rakhti hai (This sweet smile on your face makes the whole House happy)," Modi said.

Speaking after the PM, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Birla for being elected to the post for the second time and said he was confident that the Speaker would allow the Opposition to represent their voices and the voice of the people of India. "I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire Opposition and INDIA alliance. Speaker sir, this House represents the voice of India's people. And you are the final arbiter of that voice."

To read what both leaders said https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/india/om-birla-election-lok-sabha-speaker-modi-opposition-9415980/lite/