Harivansh was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman of 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 neighbor” (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 the Lok Sabha the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for the last seven years.
“Whenever I cross the office of Deputy Speaker in Parliament House, I see a lock on the door. For the last seven years the Deputy Speaker has not been chosen. Yesterday I heard a gentleman (from the Treasury Benches) allege that there were many attempts to destroy democracy in the past. What about this issue?” Kharge said. He mentioned Article 93(a) of the Constitution which states that the post of Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be filled as soon as possible after a new Lok Sabha is constituted post-election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise 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 Sitabdiara in Bihar and this has impacted his politics, along with his long association with former prime minister Chandrashekhar.
Modi also emphasized that Harivansh had done outstanding work as a journalist and he is familiar with his work since his days as Gujarat chief minister, including his column on what Parliament should be like.
“He is disciplined and brings a seriousness to his work. He is also always present in the House, even when he is not chairing a session. His work is praiseworthy and worth emulating. He always encourages the youth,” Modi said.
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 he and Harivansh 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.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also extended his heartiest congratulations to Harivansh.
Expressing his gratitude to members, Harivansh especially thanked Mallikarjun Kharge, Nitish Kumar, former prime ministers 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 not the British have left and our own people were in power. They should also engage in constructive criticism, he added.
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 neighbor” (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 the Lok Sabha the post of Deputy Speaker has been vacant for the last seven years.
“Whenever I cross the office of Deputy Speaker in Parliament House, I see a lock on the door. For the last seven years the Deputy Speaker has not been chosen. Yesterday I heard a gentleman (from the Treasury Benches) allege that there were many attempts to destroy democracy in the past. What about this issue?” Kharge said. He mentioned Article 93(a) of the Constitution which states that the post of Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be filled as soon as possible after a new Lok Sabha is constituted post-election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise 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 Sitabdiara in Bihar and this has impacted his politics, along with his long association with former prime minister Chandrashekhar.
Modi also emphasized that Harivansh had done outstanding work as a journalist and he is familiar with his work since his days as Gujarat chief minister, including his column on what Parliament should be like.
“He is disciplined and brings a seriousness to his work. He is also always present in the House, even when he is not chairing a session. His work is praiseworthy and worth emulating. He always encourages the youth,” Modi said.
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 he and Harivansh 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.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also extended his heartiest congratulations to Harivansh.
Expressing his gratitude to members, Harivansh especially thanked Mallikarjun Kharge, Nitish Kumar, former prime ministers 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 not the British have left and our own people were in power. They should also engage in constructive criticism, he added.
