New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the felicitations of newly-elected deputy chairman Harivansh, as members cutting across party lines congratulated him on his re-election for a third term and lauded his conduct in the Upper House.
Leader of the House JP Nadda and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated him for his re-election, with Kharge urging him to ensure greater space for Opposition voices in the Rajya Sabha.
Radhakrishnan said the unopposed election of Harivansh is a “resounding affirmation” of the confidence and trust he enjoys across party lines. “It reflects not only continuity, but also consistency in the discharge of duties marked by fairness, restraint and an unwavering commitment to the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy.” Prime Minister Modi said the election is “a tribute to experience and an acceptance of an intuitive work style.” He added that the House has witnessed increasing effectiveness under Harivansh’s leadership and that he not only conducts proceedings but also uses his life experience to enrich the House. Modi said his third election reflects the confidence the House has in him.
Congratulating him, Nadda said Harivansh has been committed to democratic values in his public life and has dedicated his life to integrity. “Coherence and clarity of thought have been hallmarks of his personality,” he said, thanking NDA allies and Opposition parties for the unopposed election and wishing him a successful tenure.
Leader of Opposition Kharge described the election as “historic”, noting that Harivansh 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,” he said.
He, however, raised concerns about institutional functioning, pointing out that the Deputy Speaker’s post 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.
Kharge also flagged that the Deputy Chairman’s chamber had remained “shut” and stressed that such spaces should remain accessible for members to engage and raise issues. He urged that under Harivansh’s tenure, there should be greater openness and more opportunities for Opposition members to be heard in the House.
Meanwhile, MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party staged a walkout when the motion to elect Harivansh was being adopted.
Speaking after his election, Harivansh assured members that he would make all efforts to discharge his responsibilities to uphold the dignity of the House, protect members’ rights and ensure smooth conduct of proceedings.
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva said his election marked a first for a nominated member and expressed hope that he would equal or surpass the record of former Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla. He described Harivansh as a “prudent and well-deserving person.” RJD leader Manoj Jha recalled Harivansh’s association with former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and said his re-election coincides with the birth centenary of the leader.
He urged the Chair to ensure that smaller parties get adequate opportunities to speak. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale congratulated him and highlighted his socialist ideological roots, linking them to B R Ambedkar and Ram Manohar Lohia, while also calling for more time for smaller parties during debates.
CPI(M) leader 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. Several others, including Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli (YSRCP) and M Thambidurai (AIADMK), praised his ability to maintain composure and ensure orderly proceedings even during heated debates.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda said he had seen Harivansh conduct the business of the House over the past four years and described his performance as “excellent.” He said he was “supremely happy” to see him maintain discipline and effectively manage proceedings from the Chair.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha congratulated Harivansh on beginning his “third innings” as Deputy Chairman. Referring to his past interactions, Chadha said their equation had been “khatta-meetha” but expressed hope that it would now become “meetha-meetha.” He added that Harivansh’s experience would benefit the functioning of the House and help uphold its dignity, decorum and democratic traditions.
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.
Prafful Patel (NCP), Sarfraz Ahmad (JMM), P Sandosh Kumar (CPI), Abdul Wahab (IUML), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena – UBT), Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha (TDP), were also among the MPs who lauded the deputy chairman.
Harivansh, a journalist-turned-politician, was elected unopposed on Friday, marking his third term as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. PTI NKD AO MJH JP ANU ANU
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