INDIA Bloc to Boycott Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Elections Amid Controversy
INDIA Bloc Parties Oppose ‘Harivansh 3.0’, Boycott Rajya Sabha Dy Chairman Elections: Report
News 18
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Parties from the INDIA bloc have announced a boycott of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman election scheduled for April 17, following allegations from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to engage in meaningful consultations with the Opposition. Harivansh Narayan Singh, the BJP's candidate, is seeking a third term for the position.
- 01INDIA bloc parties will boycott the Deputy Chairman election on April 17.
- 02Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP for not consulting the Opposition.
- 03Harivansh Narayan Singh is nominated for a third term as Deputy Chairman.
- 04This marks the first time a President-nominated member is considered for the role.
- 05The Opposition hopes for a more receptive approach from 'Harivansh 3.0'.
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On April 17, the Rajya Sabha will hold elections for the Deputy Chairman position, which has been vacant since Harivansh Narayan Singh's term ended on April 9. The INDIA bloc, comprising various opposition parties, has decided to boycott the election, citing a lack of meaningful consultations from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed concerns over the nomination process, highlighting that this is the first instance where a person nominated by the President of India is being considered for the Deputy Chairman role. Ramesh pointed out that the Modi government has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years, an unprecedented situation. He humorously referred to the candidate as 'Harivansh 3.0', hoping for a more accommodating approach in the future. The election proceedings are set to begin at 11:00 am following the laying of papers and reports in the House.
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The boycott reflects growing tensions between the government and opposition, potentially affecting legislative proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.
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