Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

**Om Birla: A Profile of Leadership in India's Lok Sabha**

Om Birla, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on June 26, 2024. This marks a significant milestone as he is the first person in 25 years to serve a second term in this position. Representing the Kota constituency in Rajasthan, Birla's political journey has been marked by significant achievements, including three consecutive terms in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 2003 to 2013 and his subsequent elections to the Lok Sabha in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Birla's election saw a contest with Kodikunnil Suresh of the Indian National Congress (INC), following unsuccessful attempts to reach a consensus between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc of opposition parties. The NDA, led by the BJP, holds a majority with 293 MPs in the 542-member Lok Sabha, while the INDIA bloc has 233 members. Birla's candidature received robust support, with over 10 sets of nominations, including endorsements from key BJP leaders and allies.

PM Modi Congratulates Om Birla

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Birla, highlighting his previous tenure's achievements and expressing confidence in his leadership for the next five years. Birla's extensive political experience and commitment to parliamentary procedures are expected to contribute to the effective functioning of the Lok Sabha. **Early Life and Political Journey**

Om Birla's journey into politics began in his youth, inspired by the values and teachings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation. His association with the RSS significantly shaped his political ideology and work ethic. Birla pursued his higher education at Government Commerce College, Kota, and later earned a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Rajasthan. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his future career in public service. Birla's formal entry into politics was marked by his election as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. He served three terms in the Assembly, representing the Kota South constituency from 2003 to 2014. During this period, he gained recognition for his developmental initiatives and efforts to address the concerns of his constituents. His work in Rajasthan showcased his ability to effectively manage administrative responsibilities and implement policies that benefited the local population. **Role in the Bharatiya Janata Party** Om Birla's association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been instrumental in his political ascendancy. The BJP, a right-wing party with a significant national presence, has been Birla's political home for many years. Within the party, he has held various organisational roles, contributing to its growth and consolidation at both state and national levels. His commitment to the party’s ideology and objectives has earned him respect and trust among his peers and the party leadership.

Birla's electoral success extended to the national stage when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Kota-Bundi constituency in Rajasthan in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019, reinforcing his popularity and credibility as a public representative. In the Lok Sabha, Birla's focus has been on infrastructure development, educational initiatives, and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of his constituents. **Election as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha**

Om Birla Triumphs: Elected Speaker of Lok Sabha in History...

Om Birla's election as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha on June 19, 2019, marked a significant milestone in his political career. The position of Speaker is one of immense responsibility and prestige, requiring a person of integrity, impartiality, and dedication. As Speaker, Birla's role is to preside over the sessions of the Lok Sabha, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted smoothly, efficiently, and in accordance with established rules and procedures. Birla's election as Speaker was widely welcomed across the political spectrum, reflecting his ability to garner support and cooperation from various parties. His tenure has been characterised by a focus on enhancing the functioning of the Lok Sabha, promoting constructive debate, and maintaining decorum within the house. Birla has been an advocate for reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of parliamentary proceedings. **Leadership Style and Contributions** Om Birla's leadership style as Speaker is marked by a blend of firmness and fairness. He has been proactive in addressing disruptions and maintaining order during parliamentary sessions, often emphasising the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among members. His efforts to modernise parliamentary practices include the introduction of digital tools and platforms to facilitate better communication and documentation. Birla has also been instrumental in promoting the participation of women and youth in parliamentary processes. He has encouraged greater involvement of young parliamentarians in debates and discussions, recognising the need for fresh perspectives in legislative matters. Additionally, his initiatives to make parliamentary information more accessible to the public reflect his commitment to transparency and accountability. Under Birla's stewardship, the Lok Sabha has seen several important legislative measures being debated and passed. He has played a crucial role in steering discussions on key issues such as economic reforms, social justice, and national security. His impartiality in handling contentious issues has earned him respect from both the ruling party and the opposition, reinforcing the credibility of the parliamentary institution. **Challenges and Vision for the Future** As Speaker, Om Birla has faced numerous challenges, including managing disruptions during sessions, ensuring the passage of critical legislation, and balancing the interests of different political parties. His ability to navigate these challenges while upholding the principles of parliamentary democracy has been commendable. Birla's vision for the future involves further strengthening the role of the Lok Sabha as a platform for meaningful debate and decision-making. Birla has expressed a commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and facilities of the Parliament to support better functioning. His focus on training and capacity-building for MPs underscores his belief in continuous learning and improvement. Birla envisions a more inclusive and participatory parliamentary process where diverse voices are heard, and consensus-building is prioritised. **Conclusion** Om Birla's tenure as Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a testament to his dedication to public service, his deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, and his commitment to democratic values. His leadership has contributed to the effective functioning of the Lok Sabha, fostering an environment of respect, dialogue, and cooperation. As India continues to navigate complex political and social challenges, Birla's role as Speaker remains pivotal in shaping the future of its parliamentary democracy. His journey from a grassroots politician to a national leader exemplifies the potential for transformative leadership within the Indian political landscape.