The Upper House of the Parliament was adjourned till 2 pm on the first day of the Winter Session on Monday for lunch. The first day of the winter session observed a discussion on the motion of felicitation of the new Rajya Sabha chairman, CP Radhakrishan.
As reported by news agency ANI, the discussion witnessed several Rajya Sabha MPs across party lines welcoming the newly elected Vice President Radhakrishnan to the Upper House.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumed charge as the Rajya Sabha chairman in September 2025. This was his first appearance at the Rajya Sabha as the chairman.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to the Upper House. PM Modi, while welcoming the Vice President, further highlighted his inspiring political journey and lifelong commitment to social service.
PM Modi hailed Vice President CP Radhakrishnan`s political journey, calling him an inspiration for all the members in the house. Modi also assured the House chairman that the Rajya Sabha MPs will maintain the dignity of the House and the post of the chairman during the functioning of the Parliament.
PM Modi, while welcoming the Rajya Sabha chairman, said, “This is a moment of pride to welcome you and, under your guidance, take the nation on the path of development by taking important decisions. On behalf of the House, I congratulate you and wish you well. I am confident that all the MPs sitting here will also consider your dignity while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House,” as cited by news agency ANI.
The Prime Minister further added, “Our chair comes from an ordinary agricultural family and has dedicated their life to social service. The political sphere has been just a part of his social service. His works since his youth are an inspiration for people interested in social service. Your reaching this far despite the twists and turns of politics is the biggest strength of Indian democracy.”
On the other hand, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, while welcoming Vice President CP Radhakrishnan as the chairman of the House, urged him not to show partisan behaviour during his tenure.
Taking a jibe at the ruling party, the Congress chief said, “I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha,” as quoted by news agency ANI.
Recalling former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar`s sudden resignation, Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell.
His remarks regarding Dhankhar`s resignation triggered opposition from the ruling MPs, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju further hit back by saying that Congress leaders had insulted the former Rajya Sabha chairman and sought his removal from the post.
The first day of the winter session witnessed the Lok Sabha adjourning till 2 PM after just 15 minutes of legislative business taking place, amid repeated sloganeering by the Opposition parties alleging electoral fraud. Sitting at the Speaker`s chair, MP Sandhya Rai adjourned the house, criticising the Opposition for not allowing the House to function.
(With inputs from ANI)