New Delhi: BJP lawmaker from Kota in Rajasthan Om Birla was on Wednesday elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha as an unanimous candidate.

His name was proposed among others by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seconded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and others.

A number of set of proposals in favour of Mr Birla was also proposed by Amit Shah and Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress and Pinaki Misra of BJD among others supported the candidature of Mr Birla.

The momentous occasion was witnessed by Mr Birla’s family members including wife, two daughters and aging mother Shanti Devi.

Speaking on the occasion, felicitating Mr Birla, Prime Minister lauded his appreciation for his social service in transformation the image and life in Kota.

“Om Birla is a person whose contribution has been for social service. I recall his service during the Kutch region quake and Kedarnath floods,” Modi said amid thumping of desks.

A moment of pride to see Om Birla on Speaker’s Chair: PM

Congratulating Om Birla on being elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said it was a moment of pride to see him on the Chair of the august House.

Speaking after the unanimous election of Birla as Speaker, the Prime Minister said, “It is a matter of great pride for the House and we all congratulate Om Birla Ji on being unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Many MPs know Birla Ji well. He has served in the state of Rajasthan as well. This is a moment of pride to see you (Om Birla) on the speaker’s chair.’’

Noting that Mr Om Birla’s life has been devoted to social service, the Prime Minister said, “I cannot forget how he stayed in Kutch for months when that part of Gujarat was affected by a devastating quake”.

On his association with Mr Birla, the Prime Minister said, “Personally, I remember working with Om Birla Ji 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.’’

Speaking on the occasion, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry wished a great future for him and a satisfactory stint as presiding officer of the House.

Chowdhury said as Mr Birla has an experience of a agriculturist, he would do well to make use of his office and take necessary steps at a time when the country is facing agrarian crisis.

Om Birla was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha with his name being proposed by Prime Minister Modi and others.