Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi shake hands as they welcome LS Speaker Om Birla

by IANS |

New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shook hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they came together to welcome the newly-elected Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla, on Wednesday.


This came after the Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab announced Om Birla as a winner after the election for the Speaker's post.


Following this announcement, PM Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, approached Om Birla and escorted him to the Speaker's chair.


During this, Rahul Gandhi shook hands with both PM Modi and Speaker Om Birla.


Congratulating Birla, Rahul said, "I would like to congratulate you on a successful election on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA bloc. This House represents the voice of India's people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government may have political power, but the Opposition also represents the people's voice. This time, the Opposition represents significantly more voice of the people than last year. The opposition would like to assist you in your work, I am confident you will allow us to speak in House."


Earlier, on Tuesday, the Opposition announced Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, making him the third member of the Gandhi family to hold this crucial position.


Before Rahul Gandhi, his mother, Sonia Gandhi, and his father, Rajiv Gandhi, served as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Latest News
US targets Iran's military positions near Chabahar Free Trade Zone Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 04:08 PM
US watchdog slams Pakistan for 'egregious violations' of religious freedom Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 04:07 PM
Slippers row: Karnataka BJP demands arrest of Booker Prize awardee Banu Mushtaq Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 03:13 PM
We will not meddle with temple, school properties: Karnataka Waqf Minister Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 03:09 PM
JMB revives all-women 'Sister Wing', targets women in South India for recruitment Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:47 PM
Govt dismisses viral claim of militant attack on Army in Baramulla as fake Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:42 PM
Kharge expresses grief over Cuttack hospital fire, urges Congress workers to assist victims Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:35 PM
Russia shoots down 170 Ukrainian drones overnight Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:35 PM
J&K CM throws open Srinagar Tulip Garden, heralds spring tourism Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:30 PM
Iranian Embassy appeals for cash donations in India amid online transfer issues Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:23 PM
Pakistan: Police arrests over 300 illegal Afghan refugees during raids in Swabi Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:16 PM
Those who once aspired to be Vishwaguru are now making people stand in long queues: Akhilesh Yadav Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:13 PM
Indian smartphone volumes may see headwinds from global RAM prices: Report Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:09 PM
Elections scheduling done for convenience of BJP, says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 02:07 PM
Ujjain-based Canadian student killed in violence Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 01:08 PM