Harivansh re-elected Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, PM Modi praises his leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harivansh on his re-election as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, calling it a reflection of the House's trust in his leadership and inclusive working style.

In Short

• PM Modi congratulates Harivansh on third consecutive re-election
• PM praises Harivansh's leadership and inclusive working style
• Five notices support Harivansh; no opposition candidate proposed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on his re-election, calling it a reflection of the House’s deep trust in his leadership and working style.

“You have been re-elected for the third time in a row. This reflects the faith of the House in you and your efforts to take everyone along. It is a respect for your experience and your working style. We have seen the House’s power getting strengthened during your tenure,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said that being elected for a third consecutive term as Deputy Chairman shows the deep trust of the House in Harivansh. He added that the House has endorsed his experience, inclusive approach, and simple working style, while noting that the effectiveness of the House has strengthened under his leadership.

Harivansh received five notices in his favour, while the Opposition did not submit any notice proposing its candidate.

The Office of the Deputy Chairman had fallen vacant after Harivansh’s term ended on April 9. Chairman CP Radhakrishnan fixed Friday as the date for the election under Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.

The last date and time for receiving notices of motions was 12 noon on Thursday. Sources said five notices were received supporting Harivansh, while none came from the Opposition.

The Opposition has decided to boycott the election, protesting the Modi government’s failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years.

Leader of the House, JP Nadda, moved the first motion, seconded by S Phangnon Konyak. Another motion was moved by BJP president Nitin Nabin and seconded by BJP MP Brij Lal.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also submitted a notice, seconded by BJP MP Surendra Singh Nagar. JD(U) MP and working president Sanjay Kumar Jha moved another notice, seconded by RLM MP Upendra Kushwaha.

Harivansh has already served two terms as Deputy Chairman, and if elected, this will be his third term.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the process, saying that the government had not held any meaningful consultations with the Opposition.

He said the Opposition hopes “Harivansh 3.0” will be more accommodative and receptive to its concerns. Ramesh also pointed out that the Modi government has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years, calling it unprecedented.

He further said that Harivansh’s second term ended on April 9, and he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President a day later before being named the NDA’s candidate for a third term as Deputy Chairman.

Ramesh claimed that never before has a nominated member been considered for the post of Deputy Chairman and reiterated that the move was made without meaningful consultation with the Opposition.

- Ends