New Delhi, June 29: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha after securing re-election to Parliament’s Upper House from Karnataka. The oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan at his chamber in Parliament, marking the beginning of Kharge’s new six-year term.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by several prominent political leaders, reflecting the significance of Kharge’s return to the Upper House. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were present during the ceremony, along with senior ministers and parliamentary leaders from the ruling alliance.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan congratulated Kharge after administering the oath and expressed confidence that the Rajya Sabha would continue to benefit from his extensive parliamentary experience. Kharge has served in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over several decades and is regarded as one of Parliament’s most experienced legislators.
Among those present at the ceremony were Union Health Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. Their presence highlighted the parliamentary importance of the occasion despite political differences.
Kharge was declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on June 11 along with two other Congress candidates and one BJP nominee. The election was necessitated by the completion of the terms of four outgoing members from the state, including Kharge himself.
The vacancies arose following the conclusion of the tenure of BJP members Iranna Kadadi and Narayana Koragappa, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda of the Janata Dal (Secular). Political parties had finalised their nominees well ahead of the election process, resulting in an uncontested outcome.
Kharge’s re-election ensures the Congress retains one of its most senior leaders in the Rajya Sabha, where he is expected to continue playing a key role in shaping the party’s parliamentary strategy and leading debates on major national issues.
Having assumed the office once again, Kharge is expected to actively participate in the upcoming parliamentary session, with the Opposition preparing to raise a range of issues concerning governance, the economy, employment and social welfare.
His renewed tenure strengthens the Congress leadership in the Upper House at a time when parliamentary discussions are expected to focus on several important legislative and policy matters. Party leaders expressed confidence that Kharge’s long administrative and legislative experience would continue to contribute meaningfully to parliamentary proceedings.
With the oath taking completed, Kharge officially resumes his responsibilities as a Rajya Sabha member, reinforcing his position as one of the senior-most voices of the Opposition in Parliament.