NEW DELHI: During his first visit to his Lok Sabha constituency after being re-elected as Lok Sabha Speaker, and coinciding with the announcement of the date for the second session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla on Saturday urged all members to uphold the dignity of the House by adhering to its rules and procedures.
The three-term MP from Kota received a rousing welcome in his constituency after being elected as Speaker for a second consecutive term.
Asked about Rahul Gandhi‘s role as Leader of Opposition, Birla said Rae Bareli MP holds a constitutional post.
Birla also said he expects all members to uphold dignity of Parliament while discharging their duties in the House. Birla said he would endeavour to give an opportunity to all members to raise issues dear to them in the House as per the rules and procedures. “It will be my endeavour to conduct the debate in the House in a manner that it doesn’t affect the dignity of Parliament, be it the members from treasury benches or the opposition,” he said.
People lined up along the streets of Bundi and several villages in the region as Birla carried out a victory rally here.
The city of Bundi is part of Birla’s Kota parliamentary seat. He has represented the region in Rajasthan assembly as well.
Birla said he would make efforts to develop an agro-based industry in the region, which is known for its special variety of basmati rice. “There is tremendous potential for development of tourism in this region which is dotted by palaces and havelis,” he said, adding that the Kota-Bundi region is also an educational hub.
“I would like to thank PM Modi and all members of the LS for giving me the responsibility of Speaker for the second term,” Birla said. He said that his efforts would be to “enhance the dignity and prestige of this temple of the democracy”. “I hope many good discussions and debates will be held inside Parliament,” Birla said.