NDA candidate Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time on Wednesday after winning the contest against INDIA bloc's K Suresh via voice vote.

Om Birla, a three-time BJP MP, secured his position as Lok Sabha Speaker for the second time after defeating INDIA bloc's candidate K Suresh. The election, decided through a voice vote, was a rare contest.

Om Birla was all smiles as he took the Speaker's chair, a moment that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju come together to escort him. Before accompanying the new Speaker to his chair, PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi exchanged smiles and shook hands.

PM Modi congratulated Om Birla on his re-election, highlighting the Speaker's "sweet smile." "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 the Amrit Kaal. With your experience, we hope that you will guide us for the next 5 years. The sweet smile on your face will keep the entire House happy," the Prime Minister said.

Rahul Gandhi, dressed in a complete white ensemble, also congratulated Om Birla on behalf of the entire INDIA alliance, emphasizing the Speaker's role as the "final arbiter of that voice." "I would like to congratulate you for your successful election and on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance. This House represents the voice of India's people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government has political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of India's people," the Leader of Opposition stated.

Rahul Gandhi further expressed the Opposition's willingness to assist Om Birla in ensuring the House functions effectively. "It is very important that cooperation happens on the basis of trust. It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House," the Congress MP added.