PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Shake Hands As They Welcome New Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

New Delhi: In a symbolic gesture of political unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the prospective Leader of the Opposition shook hands in Parliament today as they welcomed the newly re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s 18th Lok Sabha.

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Amazing Gesture by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

He came rushing in to congratulate Om Birla after he was elected despite the opposition opposing his candidature.

He accompanied PM Modi till Om Birla took his chair.

Beauty of Democracy. pic.twitter.com/anFA1wDvAF

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) June 26, 2024

Rahul Gandhi’s ascension to the role of Leader of the Opposition continues a family legacy, following his mother Sonia Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi. The Gandhi family’s influence in this crucial parliamentary position spans decades.

The election process, overseen by Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, concluded without a formal vote after the Opposition withdrew their candidate, Congress MP K Suresh.

In a display of bipartisan cooperation, PM Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Rahul Gandhi escorted Speaker Birla to his chair. Both leaders offered congratulations, with PM Modi praising Birla’s ability to keep the House content, while Gandhi emphasized the Opposition’s role in representing the people’s voice.