In a rare display of parliamentary camaraderie, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shook hands today as they joined in welcoming Om Birla, the newly-elected Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.
The occasion marked a significant bipartisan moment amidst the usual political debates.
Earlier today, Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab formalized Om Birla’s appointment as the Speaker following a decisive election process.
Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi, proceeded to escort Om Birla to the Speaker’s chair, signifying a united front in the House.
During this ceremonial walk, Rahul Gandhi extended handshakes to both Prime Minister Modi and Speaker Om Birla, symbolizing a gesture of respect and cooperation across party lines.
Addressing the House, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Om Birla, stating, “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.”
He emphasized the crucial role of the Opposition in representing the diverse voices of the nation and expressed confidence in working collaboratively under Birla’s leadership.
This gesture comes in the backdrop of Rahul Gandhi being appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha just a day earlier, succeeding a lineage that includes his mother Sonia Gandhi, and father Rajiv Gandhi.
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