New Delhi: In a historic move for the Upper House, journalist-turned-politician Harivansh was elected Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third term on Friday, April 17, 2026. The election was a formality as he was the sole candidate for the position, leading to an unopposed victory. This marks the first time in the history of the Indian Parliament that a nominated member has been elected to the office of the Deputy Chairman. Harivansh, who previously served two terms representing the Janata Dal (United), was nominated to the House by President Droupadi Murmu on April 10, following the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
The motion for his election was moved by Union Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda and was seconded by BJP MP S. Phangnon Konyak. The election took place amid a boycott by the Opposition, led by the Congress party. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh clarified that the boycott was a mark of protest against the government’s failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years and the perceived lack of meaningful consultation. Despite the political friction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders congratulated Harivansh, highlighting his vast experience in journalism and parliamentary procedures.
The office of the Deputy Chairman had fallen vacant on April 9 after Harivansh’s second term concluded. While the Opposition abstained from the proceedings, they expressed hope that “Harivansh 3.0” would remain accommodative of their requests in the House. Under the Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure, there is no distinction between nominated and elected members regarding eligibility for the post, paving the way for his return to the second-highest authority in the Upper House.
