Election to pick a new deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha is likely to be held on April 17, a day after Parliament reconvenes for a three-day special sitting to fast-track the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 2029, said people aware of the matter.
The post fell vacant after Harivansh’s term ended on April 9. President Droupadi Murmu nominated him to the Upper House on April 10. There was no word yet on who will be nominated for the deputy chairman’s post from the government and the Opposition sides.
There is speculation that the government may nominate Harivansh again. A member of the Janata Dal (United), he was first elected to the position in 2018 as the National Democratic Alliance candidate. He was reelected in 2020 when he began his second term in the Upper House.
Rajya Sabha members elect the deputy chairman under the Constitution’s Article 89. Any member of the House, elected or nominated, can submit a motion proposing another member for the position. At least one other member has to second it. To win, a candidate has to secure a simple majority.