Om Birla, born on November 23, 1962, stands as a prominent figure in Indian politics, presently serving as the 17th and current Speaker of the Lok Sabha. His journey from the bylanes of Kota to presiding over the Lower House of India’s Parliament is a compelling narrative that showcases the depth of his political acumen and commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education:
Om Birla’s roots trace back to a Marwari Hindu family, born to Shrikrishna Birla and Shakuntala Devi. His academic pursuits led him to a master’s degree in commerce from Govt. Commerce College, Kota, & Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer. Beyond the academic sphere, Birla’s personal life took shape with his marriage to Amita Birla in 1991, and the couple is blessed with two daughters, Akansha and Anjali.
Political Ascendancy in the Legislative Assembly:
Birla’s foray into active politics commenced in 2003 when he contested and won his first assembly elections from Kota South. His victory, marked by a margin of 10,101 votes against Shanti Dhariwal of the Congress, set the stage for a formidable political career. The subsequent years saw Birla defending his seat in the assembly with convincing victories in 2008 and 2013, the latter securing close to 50,000 votes against Pankaj Mehta of the Congress.
During his tenure from 2003 to 2008, Birla served as the Parliamentary Secretary with the rank of Minister of State (MoS) in the Rajasthan Government. This period marked his commitment to public service at the state level, laying the foundation for his eventual transition to the national stage.
Member of Parliament and Surprising Selection as Speaker:
Birla’s political journey continued to ascend as he entered national politics. Representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was elected to the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha as the party’s candidate for the Kota constituency. His contributions in the 16th Lok Sabha included membership in the Standing Committee on Energy and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The zenith of Om Birla’s political career came unexpectedly on June 19, 2019, when he was elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha. The motion for his election, moved by Prime Minister Modi, took many, including MPs from the treasury bench, by surprise. Birla’s selection underscored the trust placed in his ability to preside over the Lower House with impartiality and efficiency.
Challenges and Unique Situations as Speaker:
As Speaker, Birla faced the responsibility of navigating the complexities of parliamentary proceedings. The absence of a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition benches, a unique situation as of March 2021, posed a challenge in adhering to the parliamentary convention for the Republic of India.
Om Birla’s tenure as Speaker has been marked by a commitment to upholding the democratic values of the nation, as urged by the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam parties.
Om Birla’s journey from a legislative assembly seat in Kota to the esteemed position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not only a testament to his political prowess but also a reflection of the evolving dynamics within India’s political landscape. As the Lok Sabha continues its deliberations under his guidance, the story of Om Birla remains a compelling narrative of dedication, unexpected turns, and a commitment to the service of the nation.
