The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, will hold elections for the deputy chairman on April 17. Harivansh, who recently completed his term on April 9, is expected to be re-nominated by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Union minister J P Nadda has been engaging with various party leaders to build consensus for Harivansh's re-election. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Left parties, have raised concerns about the timing of the election, especially given that the Deputy Speaker position in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for prioritizing the deputy chairman election while neglecting the Deputy Speaker role for years. TMC leader Derek O'Brien also questioned the urgency of the election, suggesting it coincides with state elections. The election will take place at 11 AM on April 17, immediately following the laying of papers in the Rajya Sabha. Members can submit notices for the election until 12 noon on April 16, the day when new members will also take their oaths during a special session.