New Delhi – In a rare display of unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shook hands in the Lok Sabha on June 26. They then escorted Om Birla to the Speaker's chair after his election as the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Om Birla, the NDA nominee, was elected as the Speaker following a motion moved by PM Modi, which was adopted through voice votes. The announcement was made by Pro-tem Speaker B Mahtab after the opposition, which had nominated Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, chose not to press for votes.

"I announce Om Birla elected as the Speaker," declared Mahtab.

Following the announcement, PM Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju went to the front row of the treasury benches to escort Birla to his new seat. Rahul Gandhi also joined them, greeting Birla and shaking hands with the Prime Minister.

During this moment, Rahul Gandhi shook hands with both PM Modi and Speaker Om Birla.

Congratulating Birla, Rahul Gandhi said, "I congratulate you on your successful election on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA bloc. This House represents the voice of India's people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government holds political power, but the Opposition also speaks for the people. This time, the Opposition represents a significantly larger portion of the people's voice than last year. We are here to support you in your work, and I am confident you will allow us to speak in the House."

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