New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after he was elected to the Chair by voice votes in the lower house of Parliament on Wednesday.

Congratulating Birla, who became the Speaker for the second consecutive term, Modi said, "The proceedings, accountability and conduct of the Parliament further strengthen the commitment to democracy in the minds of our countrymen. Under your guidance, the productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha was at its highest level in 25 years at 97%."

"Respected Chairman, I am confident that you are going to be successful. Under your chairmanship, this 18th Lok Sabha will also successfully fulfill the dreams of the citizens of the country."

After winning the election by voice votes, Birla was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to the Chair.

"Our Parliament is the centre of hope for 140 crore countrymen. The proceedings, accountability and conduct of the Parliament further strengthen the commitment to democracy in the minds of our countrymen," the Prime Minister said welcoming the Speaker.

Rare election for Lok Sabha Speaker's post

Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, witnessed a rare election for the Speaker's post after the government and opposition failed to reach a consensus after the incumbent refused to give up the Deputy Speaker's post, which was demanded by the rival parties.

INDIA bloc, the Opposition camp, demanded the Deputy Speaker's post in exchange for its support to NDA candidate Om Birla, who is elected from Rajasthan's Kota.

After the government and opposition reached no consensus, the INDIA alliance fielded Congress MP K Suresh as its candidate despite knowing the ruling coalition had the numbers under its belt.