Winning streak for NDA continues! JDU leader Harivansh Narayan Singh elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson

New Delhi, August 9: Winning streak for BJP-led NDA continues! The much-awaited voting over the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha is finally concluded and BJP-led NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh has emerged victorious today with the total of 125 votes. Importantly, this is the first time since 1977 and also for the first time in the history of Parliament, the top four positions in House does not have a Congress nominee.

 

A journalist by profession and Parliament member from Janata Dal (United) Harivansh Narayan Singh on Thursday defeated opposition’s B K Hariprasad for the No. 2 post in the Rajya Sabha after winning 125 votes. While B K Hariprasad, who was a candidate nominated by the opposition was only able to bag 105 votes.

The Chairperson of Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu congratulated Harivansh Narayan Singh for his election as deputy chairperson of the house.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Harivansh Narayan Singh on being elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Taking a jibe at opposition, PM Modi said, "Both sides in this election had a hari but one had a BK, koi nahi bike."

He further said, “Today we mark the anniversary of the Quit India Movement. Harivansh Ji hails from Ballia, a land linked with freedom fighters. He has been inspired by Loknayak JP. He also spent time in Varanasi. Here is a leader who worked with a statesman like Chandra Shekhar Ji.”

“Working closely with Chandra Shekhar Ji, Harivansh Ji knew in advance that Chandra Shekhar Ji would resign. However, he did not let his own paper have access to this news. This shows his commitment to ethics and public service,” he added. “Harivansh Ji is well read and has written a lot. He has served society for years,” PM Modi concluded.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad congratulated the newly elected Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh. Azad hoped that as the Deputy Chairperson, Harivansh will pay heed to the objections raised by the Oppositions and won't be partial towards the NDA government. Others also congratulated Harivansh arayan Singh on being elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

JD(U) Supreme leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also congratulated the newly elected Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday this week announced the schedule of both nominations and voting. The post of the Deputy Chairman has been lying vacant since June this year following the retirement of P J Kurien, who was elected to the Upper House of Parliament on a Congress ticket from Kerala.

Last month, the Opposition was defeated in the no-confidence vote in the Lok Sabha where it secured 135 votes to the NDA’s 326.