The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is reportedly pushing for the re-election of Harivansh as the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha after his term ended on April 9, 2023. Union minister J P Nadda, who leads the house in the Rajya Sabha, has been in discussions with various party leaders to build consensus around Harivansh's candidacy. However, several opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Left parties, have raised objections, citing the government's lack of action in filling the deputy speaker position in the Lok Sabha, which has remained vacant since 2019. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the government's approach, questioning why they are prioritizing the deputy chairman election so soon after Harivansh's term ended. TMC leader Derek O'Brien and CPI leader P Sandosh echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to address the long-standing vacancy in the Lok Sabha before rushing to fill the Rajya Sabha position. The election for the deputy chairman may take place during a special parliamentary session scheduled for April 16 or 17, where amendments to the women's reservation law are also on the agenda.