Rajya Sabha's Election for New Deputy Chairman Scheduled for April 17
Synopsis
The Rajya Sabha's upcoming election for a new Deputy Chairman on April 17 is set to be a significant event, with the ruling NDA expected to renominate Harivansh, while the Opposition prepares to challenge with its own candidate.
Key Takeaways
Election Date: April 17, 2023 Ruling Party's Nomination: Expectation for Harivansh's renomination Opposition Strategy: Fielding their own candidate Deputy Chairman's Role: Presiding over sessions in the Chairman's absence Legislation Discussion: Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and women's reservation
New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) The Rajya Sabha is set to choose its new Deputy Chairman on Friday, April 17. The ruling National Democratic Alliance is anticipated to renominate Harivansh for a consecutive term.
The Opposition is likely to propose a consensus candidate, creating a scenario that mirrors the prevailing political landscape and the dynamics within Parliament.
The position became vacant following the conclusion of Harivansh's term on April 9. Following this, President Droupadi Murmu appointed him as a member of the Upper House due to the vacancy created after the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
Harivansh officially took the oath on April 10.
The Deputy Chairman oversees Rajya Sabha sessions when the Chairman, who holds the role of Vice President of India, is unavailable.
This position traditionally requires impartiality in moderating debates and ensuring the House operates smoothly.
The election process will be overseen by the Chairman, who is P. Radhakrishnan.
To secure the Vice Chairman role in the Upper House, a candidate must achieve a simple majority from the members present and voting.
As noted in a Parliamentary Bulletin, the election is scheduled for 11 a.m., immediately following the laying of papers in the Rajya Sabha.
Moreover, a three-day special session of Parliament has been convened, starting on Thursday, April 16, to deliberate on and approve the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, along with a Delimitation Bill aimed at implementing one-third reservation for women legislators.
Post-delimitation, the Lok Sabha's seat count could rise from 543 to 816.
The Covid pandemic and its repercussions have caused delays in the Census, initially slated for 2021. The Centre now intends to proceed using data from the 2011 Census for delimitation and to enforce one-third reservation for women legislators.
The National Democratic Alliance has actively reached out to leaders from various parties to garner support for their candidate.
Conversely, Opposition parties are expected to nominate their own candidate, indicating a competitive rather than a consensus-driven election.
Derek O’Brien, a leader from the Trinamool Congress, has raised concerns regarding the election's timing, suggesting it coincides with state elections in Tamil Nadu on April 23 and in West Bengal on April 23 and 29.
Point of View
It is evident that the forthcoming election for the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha reflects the intricate dynamics of Indian politics. The anticipated contest between the ruling NDA and the Opposition showcases the ongoing debate around political strategies in the Upper House.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the election for the new Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
The election is scheduled for April 17.
Who is expected to be renominated by the ruling party?
The ruling National Democratic Alliance is expected to renominate Harivansh.
What is the role of the Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha?
The Deputy Chairman presides over sessions in the absence of the Chairman and ensures smooth functioning of the House.
What must a candidate achieve to be elected Vice Chairman?
A candidate must secure a simple majority of the members present and voting.
What significant legislation is being discussed in the special parliamentary session?
The session will address the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and a Delimitation Bill for women's reservation.
