Nominated member Harivansh has been elected as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive time. He was elected unopposed for the post. Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda moved the motion to choose Harivansh as the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. The Office of the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, fell vacant after the term of Harivansh ended on 9th of this month. President Droupadi Murmu had nominated him to the House following a vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
Speaking in the House after being elected as Deputy Chairman for the third time, the Deputy Chairman Harivansh acknowledged that differences and healthy debate are an integral part of democracy and stressed that disruption has no place in parliamentary functioning. Mr Harivansh said that the rules of the House provide adequate opportunities to raise issues, and all members are bound by these rules. He assured that he will make every effort to uphold the dignity of the House and protect members’ rights.
The Deputy Chairman also expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for nominating him to the Rajya Sabha. He also thanked all the members across parties for entrusting him once again with the responsibility of Deputy Chairman. Mr Harivansh also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, stating that he was deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to him. He also expressed gratitude to the Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, noting that his vast legislative and political experience is a source of learning and inspiration.
Earlier, speaking in the House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harivansh for being elected as the Deputy Chairman for the third time. Mr Modi said, the experience Harivansh brought to the House over the years has been duly endorsed today. The Prime Minister said that his wisdom has contributed to making the atmosphere of the House more mature and constructive. Mr Modi expressed confidence that his new tenure as Deputy Chairman will continue with the same spirit and dedication. He said that with the collective efforts of all the MPs, the dignity of the House will reach even greater heights.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that this House will play a significant role in taking the country forward on the path of progress and in achieving the country’s development goals. Mr Modi said, Harivansh’s contribution to the House has been substantial, and it has been very inspiring for him. He said, Harivansh has also made a significant contribution to the training of presiding officers of state legislative assemblies. The Prime Minister highlighted Harivansh’s exemplary utilisation of the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund as a model for other parliamentarians
Leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, also congratulated Harivansh, saying that he is the first nominated member to assume this office. He expressed hope that the deputy chairman will look after the interests of the Opposition and allocate them adequate time within the House. Mr Kharge, however, expressed concern that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019.
Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J P Nadda, said it is a matter of satisfaction that Harivansh has once again been elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Mr Nadda noted that the unanimous election reflects the spirit of consensus and cooperation in Indian democracy. He added that the observations made by leaders across parties have highlighted the multifaceted personality of Harivansh. He praised Harivansh’s integrity, intellect, and commitment to democratic values in public life. Mr Nadda added that under his leadership, the functioning of the House has benefited, with members getting adequate opportunities to express their views.
Tiruchi Siva of DMK welcomed Harivansh on being elected as Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. Mr Siva expressed hope that if Mr Harivansh will complete another term, he would touch the record of Dr. Najma Heptulla, who held the post for four terms. Calling him a prudent person, Mr Siva said that while he was on the chair, his approach was balanced and fair. He expressed confidence that the Deputy Chairman will continue to uphold this principle, accommodate all members, and intervene judiciously when required.
Sandosh Kumar of CPI also congratulated Harivansh and described him as an experienced parliamentarian with rich and diverse experience. He expressed hope that his new innings in the Upper House would be impactful. He underlined that every political party has a voice in a democratic system and must be allowed to express its views. Besides other members, including former Prime Minister and JD (S) MP H D Devegowda, Milind Murli Deora of Shiv Sena, Sanjay Kumar Jha of JD (U), Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD and Sandeep Kumar Pathak of Aam Aadmi Party also congratulated Harivansh.
After completing the business, the House was adjourned to meet again tomorrow at 11:00 AM.
