Harivansh gets 3rd term as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, 1st nominated MP to occupy post

New Delhi: Harivansh was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive term on Friday, becoming the first nominated member to occupy the high post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge were among the members who lauded him for getting elected.

While the Opposition had decided not to field a candidate against Harivansh, five sets of papers by proposers and seconders were submitted in his favour. The resolution moved by leader of the House JP Nadda and seconded by BJP member S Phangnon Konyak was put to vote and passed by a voice vote with no dissensions.

Describing Harivansh as a "good neighbour" (they sit next to each in the House)", Kharge made the point that his becoming the first nominated member to become Deputy Chairman shows his capability for the post. While appreciating the promptness with which the post was filled soon after it fell vacant, Kharge lamented that in Lok Sabha, the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for seven years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praises on Harivansh, stating that as Deputy Chairman he takes everybody along and this election puts a stamp on this record. Modi also stated that Harivansh hails from Jai Prakash Nairain's village of Sitabdiara in Bihar and this has impacted his politics, along with his long association with former PM Chandrashekhar.

Modi emphasised that Harivansh had done outstanding work as a journalist and is familiar with his work since his days as Gujarat chief minister.

Floor leaders of various parties took turns to welcome Harivansh and recounted their experiences and association with him in the past. M Thambidurai (AIADMK), the last Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, said Harivansh and he had worked together in the two Houses for years. John Brittas (CPI-M), a journalist-turned-politician like Harivansh, recalled how the latter was "anguished" when some Opposition members were suspended from the House and made efforts for their return.

High integrity, intellect and commitment to democratic values were qualities possessed by Harivansh, Nadda said in his speech. "He is fair in his work and strictly ensures that the line is not crossed by any member. While conducting proceedings, he gives everybody time to speak," Nadda said, adding that JP's life had inspired the leader and given him a strong base.

Chairman CP Radhakrishnan also extended his heartiest congratulations to Harivansh. Expressing his gratitude, Harivansh thanked Kharge, Nitish Kumar, former PMs Chandrashekhar and Deve Gowda, as well as Sharad Pawar. Harivansh recalled the warm relations between Jawaharlal Nehru and first Lok Sabha Speaker GV Mavalankar. For the Opposition, Harivansh quoted Mavalankar who had told the Opposition to remember that they need not oppose everything the government does as now the British have left and our own people are in power.