NEW DELHI: Veteran BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, a battle-hardened leader who has risen from the ranks, was today unanimously elected Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha, becoming the second woman to occupy the prestigious position after her predecessor Meira Kumar.
71-year-old Mahajan, the longest-serving woman MP, was elected after adoption of a motion moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seconded by BJP veteran L K Advani by voice vote called by Protem Speaker Kamal Nath.
13 similar motions proposed and seconded by several parties in the ruling NDA as also in the opposition supporting Mahajan were also approved by the House.
Mahajan was led to the Speaker’s Chair by the Prime Minister, Advani, Anant Geete, M Thambidurai as also a number of opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, besides Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.
Accepting the post graciously, Mahajan said the new assignment was a challenging one and that she would try to do justice with all without letting down any member.
Modi congratulated Mahajan and thanked all parties and members for unanimously electing her and keeping up the great tradition of electing the presiding officer without a contest.
Noting that the Speaker’s name “Sumitra” itself gives a feeling of friendliness, he said, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that a woman is at the helm of the temple of world’s largest democracy and we hope that her guidance would help us in the smooth conduct of the House.”
Terming her election as a “proud moment for our democracy”, the Prime Minister wished her the very best in her role as Speaker and assured her “complete support and co-operation in the smooth running of the House.”
Kharge, Leader of Congress party in the Lok Sabha, suggested that Mahajan should take everyone along, amidst his party’s expectations that the Speaker would grant him the Leader of the Opposition status, a Cabinet-rank position.
“Hayat le ke chalo, kaynat le ke chalo, zamane ko sath le ke chalo,” (let us embrace all, the whole universe, let us keep the whole world as our company),” he said. Kharge expected that the Speaker, who is popularly known as ‘tai’ (elder sister), would protect the rights of all. “I know that you cannot please all but you should protect all parties. Let them be big or small.”
Mahajan, a lawyer-turned-politician, is known for her trademark simplicity, honesty and clean image besides her impeccable winning record at the hustings.
Referring to her battle-hardened political career, the Prime Minister said she has risen from the ranks after starting as an ordinary member of the Indore Municipal Corporation and has become an MP for eight terms due to her public service.
Drawing parallels, Modi said the 16th Lok Sabha is similar to that of the country’s first Lok Sabha as the present House has around 315 first-time members.
With new blood and aspirations, coupled with great traditions of the past, the House could become a temple of energy to help address the hopes of the people, he said.
Quoting a Sanskrit saying, “Mahajano yena gatasya pantha” (you should follow great people), Modi said, “We now have a ‘Mahajan’ (great person) presiding over the House and what could be more appropriate?
Modi later tweeted saying he has known Mahajan for years and has seen her dedication and monumental service towards people – be it as an MP or a Union minister.
As Mahajan ascended the Speaker’s seat closely followed by Modi, Protem Speaker Kamal Nath was seen exchanging a few words with the Prime Minister.
Nath was heard saying, “Madhya Pradesh ke saath nyay hua hai (justice has been done to Madhya Pradesh),” as both he and Mahajan are from that state.–PTI
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