BJP secures Indian parliamentary speaker role

Om Birla installed via a vote due to rare lack of consensus, illustrating the deep political divide following elections.

The governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured the position of speaker of the lower house of India’s parliament.

Om Birla, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, was re-elected as Lok Sabha speaker in a voice vote. His defeat of Kodikunnil Suresh from the opposition Congress party marked a notable success for Modi in the first big test of his third term after contentious elections severely dented his political power.

“I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years. Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy,” Modi told Birla.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a scion of ruling families in India who on Tuesday was confirmed as leader of the opposition, exhibited a rare display of harmony with Modi as he joined him in congratulating the newly elected speaker.

“It is very important that the voice of the opposition is allowed to be represented in this house,” Gandhi said in his speech, and promised that the opposition wishes to assist him in his work.