New Delhi [India], December 1 : In a significant opening to the Winter Session of Parliament, newly elected Vice President CP Radhakrishnan received a warm and emphatic welcome in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as he assumed charge as Chairman of the Upper House.
Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister JP Nadda led the treasury benches' greetings, praising Radhakrishnan's long administrative and political journey and expressing confidence in his ability to steer the House with dignity and fairness.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda highlighted Radhakrishnan's extensive experience as Governor of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, and his additional responsibilities as Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry.
"When you became the Governor of Maharashtra, you visited each district. The same dedication was seen in Jharkhand. This shows your commitment to society and the welfare of the states," Nadda said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had nominated Radhakrishnan for the Vice Presidency with full faith in his leadership. "We are confident that you will conduct the proceedings of the Upper House of the world's largest democracy very well."
Invoking former President Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Nadda reiterated the importance of responsible parliamentary conduct: "In the House, we should behave as responsible members of the Parliament and not irresponsible professional agitators."
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his congratulations, though with pointed reminders about neutrality and democratic values. Quoting Dr Radhakrishnan's historic acceptance speech, Kharge urged the new Chairman to uphold fairness, impartiality and space for Opposition voices. He emphasised that "a democracy turns into tyranny if it does not allow the Opposition to criticise freely and frankly."
Kharge further noted Radhakrishnan's familial ties to Congress - his uncle CK Kuppuswamy was a three-term Lok Sabha MP, while assuring the Opposition's cooperation in ensuring smooth proceedings. He also referred to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's abrupt resignation earlier this year. This remark drew sharp rebuttal from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who accused Congress of past disrespect towards Dhankhar.
Radhakrishnan, a two-time MP from Coimbatore and former Tamil Nadu BJP President, takes charge at a time of heightened political tensions, with the Lok Sabha witnessing disruptions over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.