President re-nominates Harivansh, his voice set to echo again in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The term of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh ended on April 10 and after being denied a ticket by the Janata Dal (United) his exit from the Upper House seemed certain. However, in a dramatic last-minute development he has been granted a fresh opportunity surprising political circles and reviving his parliamentary journey.

Amid speculation over his future, President Droupadi Murmu nominated him to the Rajya Sabha under her quota with an official gazette notification issued by the Home Ministry. With this move, Harivansh will continue as a Member of Parliament for the next six years marking his third term. Under Article 80 of the Constitution, the President has the authority to nominate 12 individuals with distinguished contributions in fields such as literature, science, art and social service.

Originally from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, Harivansh began his career as a journalist and later rose in politics being considered close to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2014 and later became Deputy Chairman on August 9, 2018, followed by a second term on September 14, 2020. With his return to the Upper House discussions have intensified over whether he will once again be chosen for the Deputy Chairman’s post for a third consecutive term.