Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan today urged Members of Parliament to uphold the Constitution and follow established norms, emphasising the Laxman Rekha of Parliamentary conduct. The Chairman made these remarks on the first day of the Winter Session which began today.
Conducting the proceedings of the Upper House first time as a Chairman, Mr Radhakrishnan emphasised that MP’s duty is to work with commitment to fulfil people’s rightful aspirations.
He thanked the Members for their good wishes stressing that only in democracy, a person can rise from the humblest beginning to high positions in public life. He said citizens look up to Parliament which is the highest forum of wisdom and collective judgement to guide the nation. Pointing out the teachings of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar that only useful and meaningful worlds should be spoken. The Chairman added that the feelings of others should not be hurt and there must be tolerance for different views. He said, it is his honour and privilege to serve the nation as Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Earlier, welcoming Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on the first day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Mr Radhakrishnan’s rise from an ordinary background to the Vice Presidency reflects the true strength of the country’s democracy. He said Mr Radhakrishnan fought like a true defender of democracy during the emergency and that fight was very courageous. Mr Modi said, under his guidance, the House will discuss and take important decisions to pave the way forward.
In his remarks, Deputy Chairman Harivansh spoke about Mr Radhakrishnan’s commitment to his principles. He extended his wishes for the smooth proceedings of the House, with room for harmonious discussion and debate. Leader of the House, JP Nadda expressed confidence that under Mr Radhakrishnan’s leadership, proceedings of the Upper House of the largest democracy will be conducted in a smooth manner.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that Mr Radhakrishnan will be impartial and treat the opposition and the treasury benches equally. Leaders of different political parties also welcomed Mr Radhakrishnan on assuming the Chair.
Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2025-26 in the Rajya Sabha. The House also congratulated the Indian Women Cricket Team for winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and the Indian team for winning the Women’s T20 Cricket Blind World Cup. The House extended its greeting to the Women Kabaddi team for winning the World Cup 2025.
The House also witnessed heated exchange of words over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various States and Union Territories. Opposition parties including Congress, TMC, DMK, and others demanded discussion over the issue.
Responding to Opposition demands, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is ready for discussion. Not satisfied with Mr. Rijiju’s response, opposition parties including Congress, DMK, TMC and others staged a walk out from the House. Later, the House took up Zero Hour and Special Mentions wherein members raised issues of various public importance.
Earlier when the Rajya Sabha met at 11 AM, Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, Chowdhry Mohammad Ramzan and Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference took oath as Member of Parliament in the upper House. The House paid tributes to former members Chandra Kala Pandey, Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, and Ashk Ali Tak and observed silence in their memory.
