Mallikarjun Kharge Takes Oath as Rajya Sabha Member Following Re-Election
Kharge's Oath-Taking Ceremony
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan greets Congress MP Kharge after administering oath as a member of the RS ter his re-election. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, June 29: On Monday, Mallikarjun Kharge, the National President of Congress, officially took his oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha after being re-elected from Karnataka.
The oath was administered by C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, in his office within Parliament.
According to a bulletin from Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody, "With effect from June 26, 2026, Mallikarjun Kharge has been recognized as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, in accordance with the provisions of the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977."
Present at the ceremony were Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several senior leaders including Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
After the ceremony, Kharge expressed on social media, "It is a matter of immense pride and responsibility to continue serving this august Upper House as the Leader of the Opposition."
He also thanked C.P. Radhakrishnan and Deputy Chairman Harivansh for their ongoing support.
Kharge acknowledged Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MPs, and party supporters for their unwavering faith, which he credited for sustaining him throughout his extensive public service career.
He expressed gratitude to the Floor Leaders of all political parties, particularly those in the INDIA bloc, for their cooperation and camaraderie, looking forward to enhanced collaboration during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
On June 11, Kharge and three other Congress candidates, along with one BJP nominee, were declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.
The elections were conducted to fill four Rajya Sabha seats from the state after the terms of sitting members, including Kharge, expired on June 25.
Kharge sought re-election to the Upper House following the conclusion of his previous term.
He reiterated the Opposition's commitment to raising issues that affect the populace and ensuring their concerns are addressed in Parliament.
"We will continue to raise the burning concerns, aspirations, and voices of the people with sincerity, conviction, and determination. That remains our foremost responsibility, and I shall discharge it with the utmost commitment," he stated.
With inputs from agencies