Parliament Monsoon Session updates: Lok Sabha passes bill to allow proxy voting for NRIs; RS adjourned for today

Zero Hour begins

LS passes Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2018

E-voting may not be totally safe, says Ravi Shankar Prasad on suggestion of remote digital voting for NRIs

Replying to a member’s suggestion that e-voting or digital voting may be facilitated for Indians staying abroad, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “E-voting may not be completely secure. We need further technology to ensure e-voting is safe. Plus there are problems in ensuring the secrecy of the vote, since it will be highlighted online.”

Why do we mistrust NRIs to cast vote, says Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad 

In his reply to the discussion on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad objected to comments of MPs who suggested that NRI votes could be influenced or bought.

He said, “When the Constitution of India put so much faith in the people of India, why are we doubting the NRIs. I’m very proud to say that all NRIs have reached abroad due to their hard work. NRIs has earned millions, but yet, their passport is Indian. Proxy is not a dirty word in Company Law and many other places. All the concerns which has been raised by many members can be fixed with rules.”

Lok Sabha passed National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017

Smaller parties won’t get level-playing field to influence NRIs under Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017 

AAP’s Patiala MP Dharam Vira Gandhi said that by ensuring that over 1 million people living abroad could vote through a proxy, we may end up denying a level-playing field to smaller parties. He said that the small regional parties may not hold the means to reach those members and convince them to gain their vote, whereas national parties can. This may inadvertently help the big parties gain votes.

Lok Sabha passed following four GST-related bills 

• Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018
• The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018
• The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018
• The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to states) Amendment Bill, 2018

Lok Sabha extends functioning till 7 pm

Amendment to People’s representative Act good for country**,** says Ravi Shankar Prasad  

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “My initial observation is that all migrant workers who have registered in the voters list, have the rights to get registered in the area where they’re working. Those NRIs who will be allowed are those who have their names in the voters list. They will authorise the confirmed proxy to vote. This is good for the country.”

‘How can NRIs be sure that proxies will vote according to their wishes?’

Several Lok Sabha members mentioned that foolproofing the mechanism for proxy voting will remain a concern. MPs, including Mamtaz Sanghamita, said that even family members may have different political leanings and biases. Then how can an NRI be sure that the proxy will caste the vote according to his or her wishes?

LS debates the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Bill seeks to amend the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the Representation of People Act, 1951 to allow for proxy voting for NRI voters and to make certain provisions of the Acts gender-neutral.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow 

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that he feels sorry about the commotion in the House as nothing will be going on the record. “I wanted to run the House properly but this is how you behave. None of this sloganeering will go on record and only what the Members said and the voting will be recorded,” Naidu said before adjourning the House for today.

Rajya Sabha passes another Bill amid commotion; Homeopathy Central Council Amendment Bill, 2018 passed as adopted by LS 

Piyush Goyal says GST on more goods may be slashed if revenue increases

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said the capacity to slash the GST rates on more items would go up as Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues and the compliance rate increases and the economy formalises. 

The Minister said the “GST Council has reduced rates on many items and services in the last round. We want the consumer to be burdened less by indirect tax.” Elaborating, Goyal said that in the last one year, the GST Council has reduced rates on 384 items and 68 services. “186 items and 99 services were exempted from GST. Also sanitary pads were exempted from the GST,” he said.

Rajya Sabha debates The Homeopathy Central Council Amendment Bill, 2018 

The government first introduced the amendment Bill in My 2018. The act establishes the Homoeopathy Central Council to regulate and enforce standards with regard to homoeopathy colleges and homoeopathy practitioners. The Bill seeks to disallow admissions in homeopathy medical colleges which do not conform to the prescribed educational standards.

Ravi Shankar Prasad urges Sonia Gandhi, Congress to support Triple Talaq Bill 

Introducing amendments to the Triple Talaq legislation, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her party for supporting the Bill. He said that the three proposed changes take care that deterrence is a part of the legislation, while it also offers opportunity for the couple to negotiate and overcome their differences.

Rajya Sabha passes National Sports University, 2018 Bill 

The Rajya Sabha has passed the National Sports University Bill 2018 despite the sloganeering by some Opposition members in Well.

Cabinet approves amendments in Triple Talaq bill 

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments in the law relating to Triple Talaq. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “We’ve proposed three changes. If any husband gives instant Triple Talaq and breaks marriage then FIR shall only become cognizable when it is filed by victim or blood relation or relation by marriage. It has been made compoundable, if the wife and the husband desire to settle their differences then the magistrate can compound the offence on appropriate terms and conditions. Magistrate can also grant bail after hearing the wife.”

GST reduced AP to a consuming state from a producing state, says TDP MP Jayadev Galla 

Galla said that the introduction of the GST into a consuming state from a producing state. “Andhra Pradesh has been a performing state, and it can be a performing state again but we are in a financial mess which was created by this Parliament while dividing the states,” Galla said. 

He said that it was ridiculous that the Centre will compensate only for five years when Andhra Pradesh is also facing low revenue generation due to the unscientific division.

In Lok Sabha, TDP MP Jayadev Galla demands special status benefits for AP 

During a debate on The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2018, Galla said, “Do not think that the people of Andhra Pradesh are political or legislative illiterates,” Galla said as he warned the government that the people will show their anger at the time of elections. 

He pointed out that in introducing the GST, the funds given to Andhra Pradesh were nothing special but what was promised and given to all other states. “You are manoeuvring like Snowboarders to avoid the issue. Please don’t cheat us,” Galla said.

MC Mary Kom rises to support National Sports University Bill, 2018 in Rajya Sabha

Nominated member in the Rajya Sabha, and prominent sportswoman MC Mary Kom made a speech in support of the National Sports Univerity Bill. Her speech was drowned out by the constant sloganeering by Opposition members. 

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu objected to this and urged the members to at least respect the views of a woman member, who is also a sportswoman and from the North East India, where the new University is going to be built. He reminded the members that the slogannering and protests would be expunged from the records. However, the disturbance continued in the House.

House debates National Sports University Bill amid din 

The mention of Rafale deal leads to slogan shouting from the Opposition benches in the House. The sloganeering and disturbance was so loud that it drowned out the voice of MoS Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore, who rose to introduce the National Sports University Bill 2018 for consideration and passing.

Slogans raised in Rajya Sabha over Rafale deal

As soon as the SC/ST Preventio of Atrocities Bill was passed, Congress leader Anand Sharma rose up to say that a JPC should be constituted on the Rafale deal, following which Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said, “We will see.”

The Rajya Sabha passes The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018.

Sitaram Yechury seeks Ordinance for SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities act if House fails to pass it

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury has said that the government must bring an Ordinance to introduce the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, which overturns a Supreme Court judgment on the issue. Yechury, who often criticises the government to take the Ordinance route, said that the government belatedly introduced the legislation because of which it may not be passed in the House as tomorrow is the last day of the Monsoon Session.

Parliament session ends tomorrow. It is unlikely that bill to restore the SC/ST PoA Act, brought belatedly by this govt under pressure, will be passed by. An ordinance must be brought & placed under the 9th schedule so that there’s no future dilution #SCSTPoAActParirakshanaSamiti https://t.co/YyOgjsdvt9

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) August 9, 2018

Bill to set up DNA banks to store profiles introduced in LS

A bill that seeks to set up DNA databanks across India to store profiles and proposes jail term for those who leak the information stored in such facilities was introduced in the Lok Sabha today.

It also states that all DNA data, including DNA profiles, DNA samples and records, will only be used for identification of the person and not for any other purpose. The bill, based on the one prepared by the Law Commission recently, says that national and regional DNA data banks will be set up for maintaining a national database for identification of suspects in cases, undertrials, victims, missing persons and unidentified human remains.

According to it, those leaking the DNA profile information to people or entities who are not entitled to have it, will be punished with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs one lakh. Similar, punishment has also been provided for those who seek the information on DNA profiles illegally.

PTI

Ensure provisions to rule out misuse of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, says Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut 

Raut said that the government initially supported the Supreme Court’s ruling, however, it changed its stance later because of political restraints. He asked the government to ensure that their are strong provisions within the law to rule out a chance of it being misused.

Meanwhile in Rajya Sabha, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut speaks about misuse of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 

Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut rose in support of the Bill. He, however, raised some questions about the possibility of misuse of the powerful legislation to settle personal scores. Referring to the Supreme Court ruling, Raut said that the courts function on the principle that no innocent person must never suffer under any law.

Mallikarjun Kharge rises again to seek government’s reply on Rafale deal, Deputy Speaker dismisses demand

LS: Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge raises serious allegations on Rafale deal amid ruckus 

Congress party leader Mallikarjun Kharge made is speech amid loud ruckus from the Treasury benches. Speaking on the Rafale deal, Kharge said that developments preceding the prime minister’s France visit indicated that even the defence secretary had no clue about the fact that Narendra Modi is going to announce the deal. 

“Who authorised the prime minister to go ahead with the Rafale deal without consulting the Cabinet, without keeping in loop the Defence secretary, without making submissions with the CIC,” Kharge asked.

Cabinet approves amendment to the Triple Talq Bill, magistrate can now grant bail 

Cabinet has approved amendment in the Triple Talaq Bill. Although the offence continues to remain non-bailable but a magistrate can give bail, ANI reported.

AIADMK MP raises issue of Dalit exploitation, women opression in Rajya Sabha

AIADMK’ Vijila Satyananth spoke about honour killing, cow vigilantism and atrocities against Dalits and women.

Opposition creates ruckus in Lok Sabha, asks to expunge Piyush Goyal’s speech

As Union Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Bills to amend the GST (Compensation to States), the IGST and the CGST laws for consideration and passing, the Opposition raised objections to his speech and asked for it to be expunged.

Piyush Goyal introduced Bills to amend GST, IGST, CGST in Lok Sabha

As the Lok Sabha was reconvened and Union Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Bills to amend the GST (Compensation to States), the IGST and the CGST laws for consideration and passing.

INC’s Kumari Sailja says there is crime against Dalits every 15 minutes, as Rajya Sabha discusses SC/ST Act Amendment Bill

After Thaawar Chand Gehlot rose to introduce The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018 for consideration and passing, Kumari Selja of the Congress said that every 15 minutes there is a crime against Dalits.

Opposition created uproar in Lok Sabha over Rafale Deal 

Congress members on Thursday created uproarious scenes in the Lok Sabha demanding a probe into the Rafale fighter aircraft deal by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, forcing an adjournment of the proceedings. The Congress members raised the issue as soon as the Zero Hour began with their leader Mallikarjun Kharge seeking the Speaker’s permission to speak on the alleged scam.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2:43 pm 

The Chairman Venakaiah Naidu adjourned the House for 10 minutes as Opposition continued to protest.

Lok Sabha adjourned due to Opposition’s protest over Rafale Deal

Meanwhile, in Lok Sabha as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continued with normal proceedings, the Opposition members stormed into the Well of the House carrying placards and raised slogans against Rafale Deal forcing the Speaker adjourned the House first for 20 minutes till 1 pm. However, when the House met again, the protests continued and thus it was again till 2 pm.

Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings, discussion being held on SC/ST Act

Members of the House are holding a discussion on amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The government had bought in a bill to restore the original provisions of the Act which was first passed by the Cabinet and later the Lok Sabha.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu will host a breakfast on Friday in the honour of deputy chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venakaiah Nadu to host a breakfast on Friday for all members along with the new deputy chairman

Full text: Here is what Narendra Modi said in his congratulatory speech to Harivansh Narayan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness and hope on the election of Harivansh Narayan Singh as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.

READ | PM @narendramodi congratulates Harivansh on winning the #RajyaSabhaDeputyChairman post. #NDAWinsRSDyChair

Courtesy: @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/aJrdn7WelR

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 9, 2018

Arun Jaitley congratulates Harivansh Narayan Singh, NITI Aayog VC says happy to see an economist being elected 

Leader of the House Arun Jaitley tweeted to congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh, while the NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar said that it was “wonderful to see a fellow economist being elected as the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha”.

Congratulations to Shri Harivansh ji on being elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Our best wishes to him for the new assignment.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) August 9, 2018

My sincere congratulations to Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh ji. Wonderful to see a fellow economist being elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. We now have a formidable team of @MVenkaiahNaidu Ji and Dr. Singh to steer the upper house proceedings.

— Rajiv Kumar (@RajivKumar1) August 9, 2018

Smriti Irani, Poonam Mahajan congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh

Union Minister Smriti Irani and BJP MP Poonam Mahajan tweeted to congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh on being elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.

Congratulations to Harivansh Narayan Singh ji on being elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Parliament and especially the Upper House stands to richly benefit under his stewardship.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 9, 2018

Heartiest congratulations to Shri #HarivanshNarayanSingh ji on being elected as the Hon. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. NDA clinches yet another victory to continue it's journey of success under Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji & Hon. BJP President Shri @AmitShah ji.

— Poonam Mahajan (@poonam_mahajan) August 9, 2018

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Venakaiah Naidu invited the new deputy chairman to take hold of the House and Harivansh Narayan Singh announced for its adjournment till 2 pm, soon after.

We will all work together to run the House with Gandhian principles, says new deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha

The newly-elected dy chair of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh said that he hopes that all members will work together with cooperation and tread on Gandhian principles for a smooth run of the Upper House going forward.

Harivansh Narayan Singh is the 13th Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

JDU’s Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected on Thursday as the new Rajya Sabha dy chairman.

Image courtesy: News18

Devendra Fadnavis congratulates Harivansh Narayan Singh

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted to congratulate the newly-elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh.

Heartiest congratulations to NDA’s #HarivanshNarayanSingh ji on being elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha !

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 9, 2018

Opposition unity shaken again as NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh is elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

Harivansh Narayan SIngh defeated Opposition candidate BK Hariprasad with 125 ayes against 105 noes.

Top political leaders pour in congratulatory wishes for Harivansh Narayan Singh

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan tweeted to congratulate the newly elected deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh.

I congratulate Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh ji on being elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Wish him all the best.

- #RajyaSabhaDeputyChairman pic.twitter.com/Us1J62CvMJ

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) August 9, 2018

श्री हरिवंश जी को राज्यसभा का उपसभापति चुने जाने पर हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं।

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 9, 2018

Narendra Modi tweets to congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh

“An accomplished writer, journalist and active Parliamentarian, I am sure he will further enrich Parliamentary proceedings in his new role. My best wishes to him”, Modi wrote in his congratulatory tweet. 

I congratulate Shri Harivansh Ji on being elected the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. An accomplished writer, journalist and active Parliamentarian, I am sure he will further enrich Parliamentary proceedings in his new role. My best wishes to him. https://t.co/Gkwua6sKpb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2018

‘Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose’: Sonia Gandhi on election of NDA’s candiddate as Rajya Sabha dy chairman

Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose’, said Sonia Gandhi as NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh became the new Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.

#NDAWinsRSDyChair | CNN-News18 MEGA EXCLUSIVE | Sometimes we win sometimes we lose: Sonia Gandhi, tells @_pallavighosh, on NDA candidate Harivansh winning Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair post

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/j0FKTe0Off pic.twitter.com/8RbYSetXZU

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 9, 2018

Union ministers, chief ministers congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh

Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Assam chief minister Sarbanand Sonowal tweeted to congratulate the newly-elelcted Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.

Congratulations to NDA's Shri. #HarivanshNarayanSingh Ji for being elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. I am sure upper house of the Parliament will be benefitted with your eminence knowledge and experience.

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) August 9, 2018

Heartiest congratulations to Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh ji on being elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. #RajyaSabhaDeputyChairman

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 9, 2018

‘Here is a leader who worked with a statesman like Chandra Shekhar Ji’, says Narendra Modi praising Harivansh Narayan Singh

Talking about the achievements of Harivansh Narayan Singh, Narendra Modi said that he is a learned man. “He has read a lot of books and has also written extensively,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi heaps praises on new Rajya Sabha deputy speaker Harivansh Narayan Singh, lauds his journalism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated JDU MP Harivansh Narayan Singh and praised his good deeds and contribution to the field of journalism. 

I congratulate Harivansh ji on behalf of the whole house. He has been blessed with the talent of writing. He was also a favourite of former PM Chandra Shekhar ji: PM Modi #RajyaSabhaDeputyChairman pic.twitter.com/jmySo2x6fI

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

Opposition members congratulate Harivansh Narayan Singh, hail ‘clean polls’

The members of the Opposition like TMC’s Derek O’Brien and AIADMK MPs congratulated the newly elected dy chairman and also hailed the ‘clean polls’ where both the candidates cored ‘centuries’.

Harivansh Narayan Singh will raise the level of public discourse in India: Arun Jaitley

​

Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said that he is hopeful that under the leadership of the newly-elected deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, the level of public discourse will be elevated mainfold.

There were ‘Hari’s at both sides, but I hope that with Harivansh Narayan Singh’s win, Rajya Sabha will have ‘harikripa’: Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi while praising new dy chairman of RS, on a lighter note, said that he hopes there will be harikripa (God’s blessings) in the House with his election.

Harivansh Narayan Singh collected money for martyr’s family, says Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha

​

After the Upper House elected NDA’s candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh as the Rajya Sabha’s deputy chairman, Narendra Modi spoke in the House and praised the newly-elected dy chairman for his large-heartedness.

Narendra Modi congratulates Rajya Sabha deputy chairman elect Harivansh Narayan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen congratulating the newly-elelcted deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh inside the Rajya Sabha.

PM Narendra Modi congratulates NDA Candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh who was elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman pic.twitter.com/lTy2yRpxik

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

Harivansh Narayan Singh is the new Rajya Sabha deputy chairman 

NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman with 125 ayes against 105 noes.

Chairman conducts re-voting as mistakes happen during the process

Venakaiah naidu had to conduct the voting for RS deputy chairman again due to mistakes

Motions moved in Rajya Sabha for both the candidates, voting underway

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the motions moved for both the candidates and the members will now vote. Division call for election of deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha has been announced by the Chairman.

Leader of the House Arjun Jaitley present in Raya Sabha for deputy chairman election

Arun Jaitley is joining work after recovering from a kidney transplant he undertook in May 2018.

Image courtesy: ANI

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu remembers Mahatama Gandhi’s words as House convenes 

The Rajya Sabha has started has proceedings for the day with Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Upper House members.

Support of 123 RS MPs required to win Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election

The post of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman had been lying vacant since June following the retirement of PJ Kurien. The current strength of Rajya Sabh a is 244 and support of 123 members will be needed for a win in the full House.

NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh confident of his win

“We are confident of our win and election result is a foregone conclusion, NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh told ANI.

YSR Congress decides to abstain from Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election

“We have decided to abstain from voting for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman elections as both Congress and BJP have not fulfilled the promises made to Andhra Pradesh,” said YSR Congress MP V Vijayasai Reddy.

We have decided to abstain from voting for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman elections. Both Congress and BJP have not fulfilled the promises made to Andhra Pradesh: V. Vijayasai Reddy,YSR Congress MP pic.twitter.com/iF6rpVzICW

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

BJP issues three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs

BJP has issued a three line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in the house on Thursday during the voiting for Rajya Sabha deputy chairman, ANI reported.

Here is how the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson is elected

A Rajya Sabha MP can submit a motion proposing the name of another Rajya Sabha member for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman. The motion has to be seconded by another MP. Additionally, the member moving the motion has to submit a declaration signed by the MP whose name he/she is proposing stating that the MP is willing to serve as the deputy chairperson, if elected. However, each MP is allowed to move or second only one motion.

The valid motions are then taken up in the House when it convenes. If there are motions that propose the names of more than one MP, then the majority of the House will decide who gets elected, but if the political parties arrive at a consensus candidate, then that MP will be unanimously elected as the Deputy Chair.

Meet the two candidates in fray for the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman post

While NDA has fielded JD(U)’s Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Opposition has picked Congress’ BK Hariprasad.

Harivansh Narayan Singh from Janata Dal (United). pic.twitter.com/cBkFwlbfps

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) August 9, 2018

B.K. Hariprasad from Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/CGb58qoAQ2

— PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) August 9, 2018

We are very confident that we have the required numbers, Opposition is united: BK Hariprasad

Opposition candidate for Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election BK Hariprasad said,“We are very confident that we have the required numbers, the Opposition is united.”

We are very confident that we have the required numbers, opposition is united: BK Hariprasad,Congress Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman candidate pic.twitter.com/rpejZTx4IN

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

BJD to support NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh 

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced his party’s decision to support the NDA candidate after having a talk with JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

Nitish Kumar has spoken to me. We will be supporting JD(U) candidate for the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman elections: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik pic.twitter.com/rLnPRUqW8t

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Timeline of Rajya Sabha deputy chairpersons

While Congress’s Najma Heptulla was elected for the post twice, even former President Pratibha Patil has been a Rajya Sabha deputy chairman from 1986–1988.

Image Courtesy: News18 Graphics

AAP to abstain from voting in Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election

“Congress party takes AAP for granted. If Rahul Gandhi asks AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for party’s vote then we will support them, else we are not interested in voting in their support: Sanjay Singh, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh told ANI after the party announced it’s decision to abstain from the poll. Singh attacked the Congress for sidelining AAP by saying that, “Rahul Gandhi hugs PM, but can’t call us.”

Arun Jaitley to attend Rajya Sabha for deputy chairman election

Leader of the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, who stepped aside as finance minister in May to undergo a kidney transplant, is likely to attend the House on Thursday to participate in the election for the Deputy Chairman’s post, according to PTI. This will be the Jaitley’s first appearance in the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Jaitley, 65, who stopped attending office at the beginning of April, underwent a renal transplant operation on 14 May. On that day the charge of his ministry was given to Minister for Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal on an interim basis. Jaitley, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2000, was re-elected to the Upper House from Uttar Pradesh in March.