PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi shake hands following the Lok Sabha Speaker election.

PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi shake hands following the Lok Sabha Speaker election.

Om Birla was elected as Speaker of the lower house of Parliament through a voice vote, marking the first such instance in decades due to a lack of consensus between NDA and INDIA.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi exchanged handshakes in Parliament on Wednesday, shortly after Om Birla, the NDA candidate, was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

In a video posted by news agency ANI, the two leaders are shown congratulating Birla, exchanging smiles, shaking hands, and subsequently escorting him to the chair, accompanied by Gandhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and PM Modi.

Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the lower house of Parliament through a voice vote, a rare occurrence reflecting the lack of consensus between the BJP-led NDA government and the Congress-led INDIA bloc opposition. This election marked only the fourth in history, following those in 1952, 1967, and 1976.

The Congress nominated Kodikunnil Suresh as their candidate for Lok Sabha Speaker, contesting against Om Birla of the BJP.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Birla, expressing anticipation for his guidance over the next five years.

Modi emphasized that the decisions made during Birla's presidency would be remembered as a "golden period" in parliamentary history.

"He commended your approach as an MP, which sets a commendable example for our young MPs. Your infectious smile brings joy to the entire House," Modi remarked.

Meanwhile, Gandhi, dressed in a white kurta pyjama, conveyed congratulations to Birla on behalf of the entire Opposition and INDIA alliance.

This House echoes the voices of India's people, with you as its ultimate arbiter. While the government holds political power, the opposition equally represents the voice of the people of India, with a significantly amplified representation this time," stated the Leader of the Opposition.

Gandhi also expressed that the opposition was willing to support the Speaker in the effective operation of the lower house.

The opposition is eager to support your efforts in performing your duties. We aim for the House to function effectively and regularly. Cooperation built on trust is essential. It's crucial that the voice of the opposition is heard and respected in this House. We trust that by allowing us to speak and represent the people of India, you will fulfill your duty to uphold the Constitution of India.