New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) Members across party lines in the Rajya Sabha on Friday congratulated Deputy Chairman Harivansh on his re-election for a third term, praising his conduct in the Chair and urging him to ensure greater space for Opposition voices in the House.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge described Harivansh’s election as “historic”, noting that he is the first nominated member to hold the post.
“Your election to this post has set another example, it proves that you are deserving of this position,” Kharge said, while also remarking on the swift manner in which the vacancy was filled.
However, Kharge used the occasion to highlight that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019.
“We talk about democracy but cannot elect a Deputy Speaker, what does it mean?” he asked, urging the government to fill the position and stressing that such constitutional posts should not remain unoccupied.
Congratulating Harivansh on behalf of the DMK, Tiruchi Siva said his election marked a first for a nominated member and expressed the hope that he would go on to equal and even surpass the record of Najma Heptulla, who was Deputy Chairman of the Upper House for four terms.
He described Harivansh as a “prudent and well-deserving person”.
Several members lauded the Deputy Chairman’s ability to maintain composure during heated debates. Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli of YSRCP said Harivansh had ensured orderly proceedings even when the House remained “deeply divided”.
M Thambidurai of AIADMK underlined that the success of a presiding officer lies in understanding the sentiments of members.
RJD leader Manoj Jha recalled Harivansh’s association with former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and said his reelection to the post coincides with the birth centenary of the former prime minister.
He urged the Chair to ensure that smaller parties get adequate opportunities to speak.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale congratulated Harivansh and highlighted his socialist ideological roots, linking them to the legacies of B R Ambedkar and Ram Manohar Lohia. He also called for more time to be allotted to smaller parties during debates.
Other members echoed similar sentiments. Sanjay Jha of JD(U) referred to Harivansh’s long-standing political relationships, while Vaddiraju Ravichandra of BRS raised the issue of enhancing MPLADS funds, suggesting they should be increased to Rs 20 crore.
CPI(M) member John Brittas spoke about Harivansh’s journalistic background and his commitment to the dignity of the House, recalling his efforts to bring back suspended members and his concern over the state of the media sector.
Nominated member Harivansh was elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed on Friday. It is the third term as Deputy Chairman for the journalist-turned-politician. PTI AO ANU ANU
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