New Delhi — The Opposition has decided to boycott the upcoming election for the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha scheduled for April 17, citing concerns over procedure and precedent.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said the decision was taken as a “mark of protest,” while clarifying that there was “no disrespect” towards the NDA’s nominee Harivansh.
Ramesh described the situation as “unprecedented,” pointing out that the government led by Narendra Modi has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for the past seven years. He noted that such a delay had never occurred before and raised concerns about the erosion of parliamentary conventions.
Drawing a parallel with the Rajya Sabha, he emphasised that the Deputy Chairman acts as the counterpart to the Deputy Speaker. Harivansh’s second term ended on April 9, after which he was nominated to the Upper House by the President, Droupadi Murmu, a day later.
The Opposition also questioned the NDA’s decision to field Harivansh for a third term, highlighting that this is the first instance of a President-nominated member being considered for the post of Deputy Chairman.
Ramesh further alleged that the government proceeded without meaningful consultation with Opposition parties, arguing that consensus-building—traditionally central to such appointments—had been overlooked.
He added that the boycott is intended to protest the manner in which the process has unfolded, while expressing hope that if re-elected, Harivansh would be more receptive to Opposition concerns in the House.
