Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday chaired his first meeting with the Floor Leaders of all political parties in the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant step toward fostering cooperation and constructive dialogue among members of the Upper House.
Welcoming the 29 floor leaders, including Ministers, the Chairman thanked them for their goodwill messages and warm response following his assumption of office. He expressed satisfaction at the presence of leaders across the political spectrum at short notice, describing it as a reflection of the collective commitment to parliamentary functioning.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of ensuring that the Rajya Sabha operates with dignity, discipline, and decorum. He reiterated that dialogue, deliberation, debate, and discussion form the foundation of India’s parliamentary democracy.
The Chairman highlighted various mechanisms – Zero Hour, Special Mentions, and Question Hour -as essential tools for members to raise issues of public concern and ensure accountability. He reminded members that the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure serve as the guiding framework, or “Laxman Rekha,” for parliamentary conduct.
Radhakrishnan assured members that he remains committed to protecting the rights of all, while underscoring the shared responsibility to uphold the sanctity of the House. “Every day, every hour, every minute, and every second of the House’s time must be used to strengthen the democratic process,” he said.
During the interaction, the Leader of the House emphasized maintaining the high traditions of parliamentary procedure and assured full support for the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. Opposition leaders, while extending cooperation, requested that adequate opportunities be provided for them to voice their concerns through instruments such as Zero Hour, Question Hour, Private Members’ Business, Short Duration Discussions, and Calling Attention Notices.
Several leaders also urged for equitable allocation of time to smaller parties, a suggestion that the Chairman assured would receive due attention.
The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with participants agreeing on the need for collaboration and mutual respect. In his concluding remarks, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the upcoming Winter Session as an opportunity for collective effort and meaningful deliberation, assuring that all valuable suggestions would be carefully considered. He thanked all floor leaders for their participation and commitment to the smooth and productive functioning of the Rajya Sabha.