PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi shake hands as they welcome new Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, set to be the Leader of the Opposition, shook hands today in parliament as they together welcomed the newly re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla. This marks a fresh chapter in the 18th Lok Sabha.
Rahul Gandhi is the third member of the Gandhi family to take the post of Leader of the Opposition, following his father, Rajiv Gandhi, who held the position from 1989 to 1990 and his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who served from 1999 to 2004.
Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab declared the election results after the Opposition, which had put forward Congress MP K Suresh as its candidate, chose not to push for a vote on the motion.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju approached Birla's seat in the front row of the treasury benches to escort him to the Speaker's chair, with Rahul Gandhi accompanying them.
"It is a matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for the second time. I congratulate you on behalf of the entire House and look forward to your guidance for the next five years. Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy," ," PM Modi said, congratulating Birla.
"I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire opposition and the INDIA alliance. You are the final arbiter of people's voice. The government may have political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of the people. The Opposition would like to assist you in your work, and I am confident you will allow us to speak in the House," Rahul gandhi said.
The history of the Leader of the Opposition in India dates back to 1969 when Ram Suhag Singh first held the post. Since then, this role has evolved to become a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy. The Leader of the Opposition plays a key part in the appointment of key officials such as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), and members of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Lokayukta.
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Lokayukta ADGP M. Chandrasekhar calls Kumaraswamy’s allegations ‘false, malicious’
Bengaluru: Lokayukta ADGP and Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief M. Chandrasekhar has strongly refuted the accusations of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and termed it ‘false and malicious.’
"HD Kumaraswamy, an accused in SIT's case no.16/14, made false and malicious allegations and threats in a press conference today," said Chandrashekar.
Chandrasekhar stated that these allegations were aimed at intimidating SIT officers, particularly as the SIT has sought legal action against Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail. "These accusations were made to prevent us from fulfilling our duties," Chandrasekhar remarked, adding that no matter the status of the accused, they will be treated fairly and according to the law.
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He further mentioned, “By attacking me, they may have intended to strike fear in the minds of the SIT officers. However, Chandrasekhar said that no matter how high in position and mighty an accused is, he is just an accused. We will not be deterred by such accusations and threats. I work fearlessly and impartially as SIT head, and promise to give justice to all. I also promise to protect you from criminals and accused in our cases and from external influences.”
Retorting to Kumaraswamy's allegations, Chandrashekar cited George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, "Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it," explaining that although they may have to face criminals and accusations in their line of duty, they must remain steadfast in their mission.
“Never lose hope. Because truth always wins. Let us believe in truth, God and our law.Satyameva Jayate,” the letter read.
