NDA candidate Harivansh has been elected as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha defeating opposition nominee B K Hariprasad. Harivansh polled 125 votes as against 105 by Hariprasad in a division of voting in the House. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu announced the results amidst thumping of desks.
Later, Mr Harivansh was conducted to his seat by Leader of House Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar. Mr Harivansh, a veteran journalist, represents the state of Bihar in the House as a JD(U) member.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated NDA candidate, Harivansh on his election to the post of Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said as a journalist, Mr Harivansh worked to bring in social change. He also hoped that Mr Harivansh’s rich experience and social commitment will be of great use in the conduct of the House.
The leader of House, Arun Jaitley wished that Mr Harivansh will uphold the dignity of the House and raise the level of public discourse. He also hoped that Mr Harivansh will provide the opportunity to all members to participate in the proceedings of the House.
The leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said he expects that Mr Harivansh will discharge his duties in a non-partisan manner and work for all sections of the society irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Derek O’Brien of TMC and leaders of other parties also congratulated the new Deputy Chairman of the House on his election.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has criticised the opposition for raising question over Rafale deal. In a series of tweets, Mrs Sithraman said that the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement, IGA, has followed the due process and has been done to benefit of the nation. She said the opposition is trying to malign the government by repeating fabricated facts about the deal, signed between India and France in 2016.
