OM, AND THE ART OF KEEPING PEACE IN THE HOUSE

A SOFT SPOKEN MP from Kota-Bundi seat in Rajasthan, Om Birla has become the second Lok Sabha Speaker to take charge for a second consecutive term.

- RAJESH ASNANI

Birla, 62, returns to the high chair for a job that is bound to be much tougher, and trickier than in 2019.

His re-election is considered a milestone for a man from a modest background.

The ruling NDA government sees in Birla experience, efficiency and communication skills inside a House known for acrimonious debates and angry walkouts.

Birla's previous tenure was eventful. India's new Parliament was constructed and crucial legislations were passed the repeal of Article 370; Citizenship (Amendment) Act; three reformative laws replacing the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act; and 33% reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies.

Critics, however, cite the Opposition charge that the NDA government pushed through with key legislations on the strength of its brute majority and by forsaking the tradition of due consultation inside Parliament.

Birla's second tenure will be a far tougher assignment.

One of the significant challenges will be managing a more assertive Opposition.

Already, the House has witnessed sharp reactions of Opposition leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, after President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of Parliament.