Why the Opposition is Boycotting the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Election: A Deep Dive

Opposition's Protest Against Deputy Chairman Election

New Delhi: The opposition has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming election for the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This move is a protest against the Modi administration's failure to appoint a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha for the past seven years, as stated by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday.

Ramesh criticized the government for not engaging in meaningful discussions regarding this issue. He expressed hope that Harivansh 3.0, the NDA's candidate for deputy chairman, would be more open to the opposition's concerns.

Firstly, the Modi government has not filled the Deputy Speaker position in the Lok Sabha for seven years, a situation unprecedented in Indian parliamentary history.

Secondly, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the equivalent role to that of the Deputy Speaker. Harivansh's second term concluded on April 9, and he was nominated the following day by the President of India to continue as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He is now the NDA's candidate for a third term as Deputy Chairman, Ramesh noted.

Ramesh pointed out that it is unusual for someone nominated by the president to the Rajya Sabha to be considered for the deputy chairman role.

Thirdly, he emphasized that these developments are occurring without any substantial consultations with the opposition parties.

Due to these reasons, and out of respect for the learned Shri Harivansh, the opposition has decided to boycott the Deputy Chairman election scheduled for April 17, Ramesh added.

The Rajya Sabha is set to conduct the election for the deputy chairman on April 17, with the ruling NDA expected to advocate for Harivansh's re-election.

The position became vacant after Harivansh's tenure ended on April 9. He was subsequently nominated to the Upper House by President Droupadi Murmu and took his oath on April 10.

Union minister and BJP leader J P Nadda, who also serves as the leader of the house in the Rajya Sabha, has reportedly engaged with various party leaders regarding Harivansh's re-election, aiming to achieve a broad consensus.

However, the Congress, TMC, and Left parties have voiced their objections to the ruling party's eagerness to conduct elections for this position while the deputy speaker role in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019.