In a significant development in parliamentary proceedings, Harivansh Narayan Singh was on Friday re-elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, marking his third consecutive term in the position. The election took place without contest after the Opposition chose not to field a candidate.
The post had fallen vacant following the conclusion of Harivansh’s previous term on April 9. Acting under Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan had scheduled the election for April 17, with the deadline for filing nominations set at noon on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harivansh on his re-election, calling it a reflection of the House’s trust in his leadership. He also noted the symbolic timing of the election, which coincided with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, highlighting Harivansh’s association with the late leader.
Opposition Boycott and Uncontested Victory
According to sources, five notices supporting Harivansh’s candidature were received, while the Opposition refrained from submitting any nomination. The boycott was reportedly in protest against the government’s failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for the past seven years—a move the Opposition has repeatedly criticised as unprecedented.
The first motion proposing Harivansh’s name was moved by Leader of the House J. P. Nadda and seconded by S. Phangnon Konyak. Additional motions were introduced and supported by several members across parties, including Nitin Nabin, Brij Lal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Surendra Singh Nagar, JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, Upendra Kushwaha, Union minister Jayant Chaudhary, and Milind Deora.
With no contest, the House adopted the first motion through a voice vote, following which the Chairman formally declared Harivansh elected.
Political Undercurrents and Criticism
While the ruling alliance celebrated the smooth re-election, the Congress party expressed reservations about the process. It alleged that the government had not engaged in meaningful consultations with Opposition parties before finalising the candidate. The party also reiterated its criticism over the prolonged absence of a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha.
Additionally, concerns were raised over the nomination process, noting that Harivansh was re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President shortly after his term ended, and then named the NDA’s candidate for the Deputy Chairman’s post. Some Opposition leaders pointed out that it is rare for a nominated member to be considered for this position.
Despite the political differences, the Congress extended cautious goodwill, expressing hope that “Harivansh 3.0” would demonstrate greater inclusivity and responsiveness to Opposition voices in the Upper House.
Harivansh’s third consecutive term signals continuity in the Rajya Sabha’s presiding leadership, even as debates over parliamentary conventions and institutional balance continue to shape the political discourse.
Leave Your Comment