New Delhi, June 29: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday formally assumed office for his new term in the Rajya Sabha after taking the oath of office in the presence of senior political leaders and parliamentary dignitaries. The ceremony took place in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan following Kharge’s recent re-election to the Upper House from Karnataka.
Kharge, one of the country’s most experienced parliamentarians, took the oath in Hindi, marking the beginning of another term in the Rajya Sabha where he continues to represent Karnataka. His return to the Upper House is expected to strengthen the Congress party’s presence during key parliamentary debates and legislative discussions.
The oath was administered by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, who congratulated Kharge after the ceremony. Acknowledging his decades-long political career and parliamentary experience, the Chairman expressed confidence that the House would continue to benefit from Kharge’s extensive knowledge and contributions.
The occasion was attended by several prominent leaders from both the ruling and opposition benches. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were present to witness the oath-taking ceremony, reflecting the significance of the event for the party leadership.
Senior members of the Union government also attended the ceremony. Among those present were Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. Their presence underscored the parliamentary tradition of extending courtesy across party lines during important constitutional proceedings.
Kharge’s re-election to the Rajya Sabha ensures the Congress continues to be led in Parliament by one of its most senior leaders. Having served in several key constitutional and political positions over the years, he has played a significant role in shaping the party’s legislative strategy and representing the opposition on major national issues.
As Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge is expected to continue raising issues related to governance, economic policy, social welfare and constitutional matters during upcoming sessions. His experience in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha has made him one of the most influential voices in Parliament.
The oath-taking ceremony also reflected the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy, where members formally assume their responsibilities before participating in legislative business. Such ceremonies reinforce constitutional traditions and mark the beginning of a member’s fresh tenure in the Upper House.
With Parliament expected to deliberate on several important bills and policy matters in the coming months, Kharge’s renewed term is likely to see him continue playing a central role in parliamentary proceedings and opposition coordination.
The ceremony concluded with greetings from leaders present, as Kharge officially commenced his new tenure as a Rajya Sabha member representing Karnataka.