Naidu for consensus on Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu made a strong pitch for consensus in electing next deputy chairman for the Upper House after incumbent P J Kurien completed his tenure on Sunday.

Speaking at a farewell function organised in the honour of Kurien, Naidu said he had spoken to leaders of both the ruling BJP and the Opposition parties and suggested to nominate a consensus candidate for the coveted post.

Trinamool Congress leader Sukhendy Shekhar Roy is considered as the front-runner as the Opposition nominee for the post, while the BJP is yet to open its cards.

“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,” Naidu said.

Naidu hailed 77-year-old Kurien as a “valued colleague” who would be missed in the Rajya Sabha.

“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.

The farewell function for Kurien was attended by leaders cutting across party lines including Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress), D Raja (CPI), Manish Gupta (Trinamool Congress), A Navaneethakrishnan and S R Balasubramaniyan (AIADMK)and Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and Vijay Goel.