Will Harivansh Secure a Third Term as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Amid Opposition Boycott?

Harivansh is on the verge of being re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, with five motions in his favor and no opposition candidates. The election is set for Friday at 11 AM, following the vacancy left by his previous term. The opposition has chosen to boycott the election, protesting the government's failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized the lack of consultations regarding this election. If elected, this will mark Harivansh's third term in the position. Read on to learn more about the implications of this election and the political dynamics at play.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 18:20 IST

Election for Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Harivansh, a nominated member, is poised to be re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, with five notices supporting his candidacy and no opposing nominations from the opposition.

The election for this position is scheduled for 11 AM on Friday.

The role of Deputy Chairman became vacant following the conclusion of Harivansh's term on April 9. Chairman C P Radhakrishnan has set Friday as the election date in accordance with Rule 7 of the Rajya Sabha's procedural guidelines.

The deadline for submitting notices of motion for the election was 12 noon on Thursday.

Sources indicate that five motions have been filed in favor of Harivansh, while the opposition has not submitted any.

In a show of protest against the Modi administration's failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years, the opposition has opted to boycott the election.

The first motion was introduced by leader of the house J P Nadda and seconded by S Phangnon Konyak, while the second motion was presented by BJP president Nitin Nabin and supported by BJP MP Brij Lal.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also submitted a notice, seconded by BJP MP Surendra Singh Nagar, and JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has moved another notice, which was seconded by RLM MP Upendra Kushwaha.

Additionally, RLD MP and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary has put forth a notice, seconded by Shiv Sena MP Milind Murli Deora, endorsing Harivansh.

As per sources, no motions from the opposition were received within the required timeframe, suggesting that Harivansh's election may proceed unopposed.

It is anticipated that the initial motion by Nadda, seconded by Konyak, will likely be approved by a voice vote in the House.

Following this, the chairman is expected to announce Harivansh's unopposed election as Deputy Chairman.

Traditionally, he will be escorted to the chair by the Leader of the House and representatives from the opposition.

Having served two terms as Deputy Chairman, Harivansh is on track to secure a third term if elected.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for lacking meaningful discussions regarding this election.

He expressed hope that 'Harivansh 3.0' would be more open to the opposition's requests.

Ramesh pointed out that the Modi government has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years, a historical first.

He noted that Harivansh's second term ended on April 9, and he was nominated by the President of India as a Rajya Sabha member the following day, making him the NDA's candidate for Deputy Chairman for a third term.

Ramesh emphasized that it is unprecedented for a presidential nominee to be considered for the Deputy Chairman position without proper consultations with the opposition.