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Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi appointed deputy leader of Rajya Sabha
Naqvi’s appointment comes at a time when the government is facing questions from the Opposition on a bunch of issues.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced the appointment of Union minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as the deputy leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. Naqvi takes over from Piyush Goyal who has been elevated as the leader of the house in the Upper House.
A former minister of state for parliamentary affairs minister, Naqvi is well versed in Parliamentary affairs. He is also known for his cordial relations across party lines. “At parliamentary affairs ministry, he had a good working relation with various political parties. He knows how to engage with the opposition, especially when there are tricky issues before the house,” said a BJP leader requesting anonymity.
Naqvi’s appointment comes at a time when the government is facing questions from the Opposition on a bunch of issues notably price rise, the response to the Covid-19 situation and the preparation for the anticipated third wave of the pandemic. On Monday, both Houses of Parliament were disputed by the opposition that raised slogans even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rose to introduce the newly inducted ministers as per tradition.
“Both Goyal and Naqvi have their job cut out for them. They will have to handle the opposition in the Upper House and ensure that the house proceedings are conducted smoothly to allow the passage of bills,” said the BJP leader quoted above.
