The Rajya Sabha is set to choose its new Deputy Chairman on April 17, with expectations for Harivansh’s renomination by the ruling National Democratic Alliance. The Opposition is preparing to nominate a consensus candidate, indicating a competitive scenario in line with current political dynamics. Harivansh’s appointment comes after the conclusion of his previous term on April 9, with President Droupadi Murmu nominating him following a vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
The Deputy Chairman, responsible for overseeing Rajya Sabha sessions in the absence of the Vice President of India who serves as Chairman, is required to maintain impartiality during debates and ensure the House’s smooth operation. The election process, overseen by the Vice President and Chairman P. Radhakrishnan, mandates that a candidate secure a simple majority of present and voting members to be elected as the Vice Chairman of the Upper House. The election is scheduled for 11 a.m., immediately following the submission of papers in the Rajya Sabha.
A special three-day parliamentary session starting on April 16 has been called to deliberate and pass the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and a Delimitation Bill aimed at implementing one-third reservation for female legislators. The proposed delimitation exercise could potentially increase the Lok Sabha’s seat count from 543 to 816. Due to pandemic-related delays, the 2011 Census data will be utilized for delimitation and the implementation of the one-third reservation for women legislators, instead of the originally planned 2021 Census.
Efforts by the National Democratic Alliance to garner cross-party support for their candidate have been underway, while the Opposition is anticipated to present its own candidate, indicating a contested election rather than a consensus choice. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien has raised concerns about the timing of the election, citing clashes with state elections in Tamil Nadu on April 23 and in West Bengal on April 23 and 29.
