Despite nominating Congress lawmaker K Suresh as an opposition candidate, the Congress-led India alliance did not press for a vote.

In a rare moment of unity, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Birla and shook hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul has been nominated as the opposition leader, a position Congress didn’t hold in the previous two Lok Sabhas due to insufficient seats.

As the House applauded Birla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted him to the Speaker’s chair.

“The Opposition must be allowed to speak, as they too represent the voice of the people.”

– Rahul Gandhi

“It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for the second time,” he added.

Urging Om Birla to let the opposition speak, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said, “We would like the house to function often and well.”

“The Opposition must be allowed to speak, as they too represent the voice of the people,” he added.