Modi congratulates Sumitra Mahajan on election as speaker

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday congratulated Sumitra Mahajan on her being elected speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha, and said it was a moment of pride for the world's largest democracy to have a woman at the topmost position of parliament.

"The prime minister congratulated Sumitra Mahajan(ji) on her unanimous election as the speaker of the Lok Sabha," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.

Addressing the house after the election, Modi said: "It is a moment of pride for all of us that in the world's largest democracy and at the top position of the temple of democracy, a woman is sitting and will be looking after the proceedings of the house."

Modi said Mahajan's experience will be very crucial and important for the house.

He also thanked all members of the house for unanimously electing Sumitra Mahajan as speaker and following the tradition of the house.

Modi later assured the speaker in a tweet of his complete support and co-operation in running the house smoothly.

"I have known Sumitra(ji) for years and have seen her dedication and monumental service towards people, be it as an MP or as union minister."