Bali Ram Bhagat was elected Speaker of the fifth Lok Sabha on January 5, 1976 against the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dhillon. A veteran Parliamentarian with vast and varied administrative experience, Bhagat was elected Speaker when the country was under Emergency.

Bhagat was Speaker from January 5, 1976 till March 25, 1977.

One who laid stress on discipline and decorum, Bhagat was a sticker for parliamentary traditions and propriety. Bhagat held a range of ministerial portfolios before he became Speaker.