Race for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Election begins, Congress out of race
Ending the uncertainty over delay in election to the post of deputy chairman to the Rajya Sabha, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday that the election will be held on 9 August. Addressing members in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu said that members can give their notice to be elected to the post by Wednesday. As the elections for the Deputy Chairman Post will be a key test for the opposition parties which is led by congress. A parliamentary board meeting will be held by Sonia Gandhi today. Also an opposition meeting is set to happen today where the candidate for the deputy chairman will be declared by the opposition. According to sources, Akali Dal is going to abstain from Deputy Chairman Election where Naresh Gujral will not stand as an independent candidate for the post. Sources also confirm that Amit Shah is trying to reach Badal who have not responded yet. This will be first time that Akali Dal will not vote along with NDA. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is in minority in the upper house, is keen that a candidate of its choice wins the election. The post has been with the congress party for approximately four decades.