New Delhi, April 17
Nominated member Harivansh was on Friday elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term after a motion moved in the House was adopted through a voice vote. The election process involved multiple supporting motions from members across parties.
The motion to elect Harivansh was moved by Leader of the House J P Nadda and seconded by BJP MP S Phangnon Konyak. A total of five motions were moved in his favor by various members of the House, reflecting broad support for his continued tenure in the post.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan formally announced his election after the motion was adopted. He stated that Harivansh had been chosen as the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. Following the announcement, the Chairman requested J P Nadda and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to escort Harivansh to the designated seat, where he was seated in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The post had fallen vacant after Harivansh’s earlier term ended on April 9. He was later re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated him after his election. Modi said the selection reflected the confidence of the House in Harivansh’s experience and described it as recognition of his work style and understanding of parliamentary proceedings.
Kharge expressed hope that the Deputy Chairman would ensure adequate time and representation for the Opposition in the House. He also noted concern over the continued vacancy of the Deputy Speaker’s post in the Lok Sabha since 2019, stating that it goes against the constitutional spirit.
Earlier in the proceedings, members of the Samajwadi Party and the Trinamool Congress walked out during the adoption of the motion.
Among the supporting proposals, motions were also moved by several senior leaders including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and BJP president Nitin Nabin, all in favor of Harivansh’s election.
Harivansh’s election marks his third consecutive term as Deputy Chairman and is also noted as the first instance of a nominated member holding the post.
Another notice was given by RLD MP and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary, which was seconded by Shiv Sena MP Milind Murli Deora, in favor of Harivansh.
