Opposition to Boycott Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Election Amidst Concerns

In a significant political move, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that the opposition will boycott the upcoming Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman election. This decision stems from the Modi government's seven-year delay in appointing a Deputy Chairman in the Lok Sabha. Ramesh raised concerns about the lack of meaningful consultation with the opposition and emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation. As the election date approaches, the ruling NDA is expected to push for Harivansh's re-election. This article delves into the implications of the boycott and the political dynamics at play.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 12:51 IST

Opposition's Decision to Boycott Election

On Thursday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that the opposition will boycott the upcoming election for the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This decision is a protest against the Modi government's failure to appoint a Deputy Chairman in the Lok Sabha for the past seven years. Ramesh, who serves as the Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, expressed his concerns in a post on X, stating that the government has not engaged in any meaningful consultation regarding this issue. He further mentioned that the opposition hopes that 'Harivansh 3.0' will be more accommodating and receptive to their demands.

Concerns Raised by Congress Leader

In his post, Ramesh highlighted two key points: firstly, the Modi government has not appointed a Deputy Chairman in the Lok Sabha for seven years, a situation that has never occurred before. Secondly, he noted that the position of Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha is equivalent to that of the Deputy Chairman in the Lok Sabha. Harivansh's second term is set to end on April 9, after which he was re-nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha by the President of India, making him a candidate for a third term as Deputy Chairman under the NDA.

Opposition's Stance on the Election

Ramesh pointed out that a person nominated by the President for the Rajya Sabha has never been elected to the position of Deputy Chairman before. He emphasized that the entire process is being conducted without any substantial consultation with the opposition. Consequently, the opposition has reluctantly decided to boycott the Deputy Chairman election scheduled for April 17, while still respecting the esteemed Harivansh.

Upcoming Election Details

The election for the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is set for April 17. The ruling NDA party is likely to make efforts to re-elect Harivansh to this significant position. Following the end of his term on April 9, the position of Deputy Chairman became vacant. President Droupadi Murmu had nominated Harivansh for the role, and he took the oath of office on April 10. Union Minister and BJP leader JP Nadda, who is also the leader of the house in the Rajya Sabha, has been engaging with leaders from various parties to build consensus around Harivansh's candidacy.