How Om Birla, a two-time MP from Kota, became BJP's LS speaker nominee

The Rajasthan leader is considered to be close to both PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah

The BJP-led NDA's nominee for the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla --a two-time BJP MP from Rajasthan-- is a relative newcomer for the post traditionally held by seniors.

A surprise pick, Birla's name, sources said, was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post.The Rajasthan leader is considered to be close to both Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

Starting his political journey as a student leader, the 57 year old leader has also been elected to Rajasthan assembly for three consecutive terms in 2003, 2008 and 2013.

Birla, who won his first Lok Sabha election in 2014