New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday nominated senior Janata Dal (United) leader Harivansh to the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term of six years, extending his tenure in the Rajya Sabha until 2032.
The decision puts an end to speculation regarding Harivansh’s continuation in Parliament, especially after reports that he might vacate his seat to accommodate JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on one of the party’s allotted seats. Kumar is expected to take the oath as a Member of Parliament soon and step down as Bihar Chief Minister.
As per the current composition of the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a majority with around 141 seats. This includes 105 members from the BJP, along with representation from allies such as the AIADMK, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and JD(U), among others.
Harivansh’s nomination has been made under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to nominate individuals with distinguished contributions in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. The government, in an official notification, stated that the nomination fills a vacancy arising from the retirement of a nominated member.
The move comes immediately after the completion of Harivansh’s second term as a JD(U) representative from Bihar. A seasoned politician and former journalist with decades of experience, he currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Harivansh, who will turn 70 in June this year, was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2014. Over the years, he has been part of several key parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Defence, the Select Committee on the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, and the Joint Committee on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
He first assumed office as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on August 9, 2018, and served until April 2020. After a brief interval, he was re-elected to the position on September 14, 2020, and has continued in the role since then, playing a significant part in the functioning of the Upper House.
(IANS)
