Harivansh Narayan Singh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, was re-elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on April 17, 2026, becoming the first person since Najma Heptulla in 2004 to be elected to this post for a third consecutive term, and the first nominated member of the Rajya Sabha to ever hold this constitutional position. Leader of the House and Union Minister J.P. Nadda moved the motion for his selection, which was carried by voice vote. The position had fallen vacant after Harivansh's previous term ended on April 9, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu had earlier nominated him to the Upper House to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and members from the DMK, CPI, Shiv Sena, RJD and AAP congratulated him on the election. In his acceptance address, Harivansh emphasised that "differences and healthy debate are an integral part of democracy" and stressed that disruption has no place in parliamentary functioning. The DMK's Tiruchi Siva expressed hope that Harivansh would match Dr. Najma Heptulla's record of four terms in the chair. The Deputy Chairman is the second-presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha under Article 89 of the Constitution; the office is held by an MP elected by the members of the Council of States from amongst themselves.
Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-elected Unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for Third Consecutive Term on April 17, 2026; Becomes First Nominated Member to Hold the Post
On April 17, 2026, Harivansh Narayan Singh of JD(U) was re-elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for a third consecutive term, becoming the first nominated member to hold the post and the first since Najma Heptulla (2004) to win three consecutive terms. JP Nadda moved the motion; PM Modi and LoP Kharge congratulated him.
Key facts
- Harivansh Narayan Singh was re-elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman on April 17, 2026, for a third consecutive term.
- He is the first nominated Rajya Sabha member ever to hold this constitutional office.
- He becomes the first person since Najma Heptulla in 2004 to be elected to the post for three consecutive terms.
- Leader of the House J.P. Nadda moved the motion for his selection, which was carried by voice vote.
- His previous term as Deputy Chairman ended on April 9, 2026; President Droupadi Murmu had nominated him to the Upper House to fill the vacancy left by retired CJI Ranjan Gogoi.
- PM Narendra Modi, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge and members from DMK, CPI, Shiv Sena, RJD and AAP congratulated him on his election.
- The Deputy Chairman is the second-presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha under Article 89 of the Constitution and is elected by members of the Council of States from amongst themselves.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Which constitutional provision deals with the office of Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the position to which Harivansh Narayan Singh was re-elected for a third consecutive term on April 17, 2026?
Article 89 of the Constitution governs the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Article 89(2) specifically provides that the Council of States shall, as soon as may be, choose a member to be Deputy Chairman, and so often as the office becomes vacant the Council shall choose another member to be Deputy Chairman.
Source: DD News (Newsonair)
Frequently asked questions
What constitutional provision governs the office of Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Article 89 of the Constitution. The Rajya Sabha chooses one of its members to be its Deputy Chairman.
What is historically distinctive about Harivansh's April 17, 2026 re-election?
He is the first nominated Rajya Sabha member ever to be elected Deputy Chairman, and the first person since Najma Heptulla in 2004 to be re-elected for a third consecutive term.
Who moved the motion for Harivansh's selection?
Leader of the House and Union Minister J.P. Nadda moved the motion; it was carried unopposed by voice vote.
How did Harivansh come to be in the Rajya Sabha as a nominated member?
President Droupadi Murmu nominated him to the Upper House to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback