Om Birla elected LS Speaker for 2nd time

Introduces resolution condemning emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975; Congress MPs protest move; PM lauds Speaker

NDA nominee Om Birla was elected as speaker of the Lok Sabha for a second consecutive term by voice vote on Wednesday, capping days of intense battle on the issue with the opposition in a rare move proposing its own candidate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who moved the motion for Birla's election as speaker, lauded the balance he showed in maintaining decorum of the House during his previous term.

Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab made the announcement of Birla's election after the opposition, which had forwarded the name of eight-term Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh as its candidate, did not press for votes to the motion.