The election for the post of Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha is set to take place on Friday, with the outcome appearing largely decided in advance. In the current political context, Harivansh Narayan Singh is expected to be re-elected to the position.
Ahead of the election, five notices proposing the name of nominated member Harivansh Narayan Singh have been received, while no candidate has been put forward by the Opposition. In the absence of a contest, his re-election is expected to be unopposed.
The position fell vacant on 9 April following the completion of his previous term. If elected again, Harivansh Narayan Singh will begin his third consecutive term as Deputy Chairman.
His potential re-election would mark a third successive tenure, following the expiry of his last term on 9 April, after which the post remained vacant and the process to fill it was initiated through a fresh election.
The principal political development in the election is the Opposition’s decision to boycott the process. Major Opposition parties have not fielded any candidate, resulting in a one-sided contest. Jairam Ramesh outlined several reasons for this decision, stating that certain constitutional and parliamentary conventions are not being followed in Parliament, prompting the boycott.
The Opposition has cited three main reasons for its decision. It has stated that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant for several years, which it considers contrary to parliamentary conventions. It has also raised questions over the timing of Harivansh Narayan Singh’s re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha immediately after the completion of his previous term and his subsequent candidature for the Deputy Chairman’s post, describing the process as unusual. Additionally, the Opposition has alleged that there was no meaningful consultation or discussion with it on the matter, which it says affects the democratic process.
Jairam Ramesh clarified that the Opposition’s position is not directed personally against Harivansh Narayan Singh. He expressed respect for him and stated that the issue concerns institutional processes and conventions. The Opposition has indicated that if Harivansh Narayan Singh is re-elected, it expects him to ensure equal opportunity for all sides in the House and to give due consideration to the Opposition’s views.
