NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman with 125 votes on Thursday, 9 August. The Opposition candidate BK Hariprasad managed to get 105 votes.
The Congress will be boycotting the breakfast organised by Venkaiah Naidu for the new Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.
Soon after the election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Singh, who is an MP from the Janata Dal (United). The new Dy Chairman also said that he hoped to clear differences through constructive debate.
- “I congratulate Harivansh ji on behalf of the whole House. He has been blessed with the talent of writing,” PM Modi said
- “Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose,”said Sonia Gandhi after the results of the election were announced
- The AAP decided to “boycott” the election after rejecting Nitish Kumar’s request to support the NDA nominee
- Despite lacking majority in the Rajya Sabha, the BJP-led ruling alliance got an upper-hand in the election with the support of BJD
- The post of the deputy chairman had been lying vacant since June this year following the retirement of PJ Kurien
Today's Results Show Desperation of Govt: Derek O' Brien
Speaking about the results, TMC leader Derek O’ Brien told PTI that the various opposition parties were still “united” in their fight against the BJP and the NDA government.
Today’s result shows the desperation of the government. The Prime Minister had to be on phone to get votes for the NDA candidate.Derek O’Brien to PTI
The election is certainly not the end of the world for us. These are just the warm up matches for the world cup and it should be played and there the voters are different,” he added.
Congress To Boycott Breakfast Organised For New Dy Chairman
Congress will boycott the breakfast organised by Venkaiah Naidu on Friday, 10 August, for new members and the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Hope For Constructive Debate, Consensus in House: Harivansh Singh
Newly elected Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh said it would be his endeavour to uphold the dignity of the Upper House and expressed hope that differences would be ironed out through constructive debates, consensus and guidance.
The JD(U) member said, "Treading on rules and procedures framed by our Constitution makers, we can lead the country to greatness...There would be differences in debates, there would be different opinions... We can find out a way.”
"I got this opportunity to be here...I am frightened, surrounded by so many experienced people but this is my strength too as you all will guide me and I assure you I will run the House in a fair and decent manner," he added.
'Sometimes We Win, Sometimes We Lose': Sonia Gandhi
Reacting to the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman election, in which the NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh scored a victory over Opposition's BN Harisprasad, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said, "Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose."