Naidu for consensus on next Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has called for the ruling and opposition parties to build a consensus on the next Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. “I hope the ruling and the opposition parties will find a suitable replacement with consensus for Prof Kurien as the election of new Deputy Chairperson will be held soon,” he said.

Naidu made the remark at a farewell function yesterday for the outgoing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien at his office, which was attended by leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel. 

Later talking to reporters, Naidu said he has spoken to leaders from both sides and suggested them to nominate a consensus candidate for the post. As the 77-year-old Kurien retired from his office today, Naidu spoke about his contributions at length.

Prof. P. J. Kurien has been a valued colleague and I will certainly miss him. ..He conducted the proceedings with passion and energy, always urging the members to build consensus for effective Parliamentary functioning. He is an expert in tackling difficult situations,” Naidu said. Kurien also urged the members of the House to ensure minimum disruptions of proceedings.

Both sides should sit together whenever there is an issue. One or two days of disruptions are okay and not beyond (that). Parliament is for debate, discussion and decision. Chairman Shri Naidu is very sentimental about the functioning of the House,” he said.

Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Piyush Goel , leaders of various parties, including D Raja (CPI), Manish Gupta (Trinamool Congress), A Navaneethakrishnan and S R Balasubramoniyan (AIADMK) and Vijaya Sai Reddy of YSRCP also attended the ceremony.