NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a keen contest between the NDA and the Opposition for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman with JD(U) MP Harivansh emerging as the candidate of the ruling alliance for the August 9 election.
The Opposition has often prevailed over the government in the numbers game in the House, but the BJP is hopeful of turning the tables on its rivals with the support of regional parties such as the AIADMK, BJD, TRS and YSR Congress - all of whom have lent support to it now and then.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu announced in the House that the election would be held at 11 am on August 9.
He also suggested that the deputy chairman should be elected by consensus. The nomination papers will have to be filed before noon on August 8.
The post of the deputy chairman has been lying vacant since June this year following the retirement of P J Kurien, who was elected to the Upper House of Parliament on a Congress ticket from Kerala.
While the BJP-led NDA did not make any formal announcement, sources said Harivansh, a veteran journalist and first-time parliamentarian, is likely to be their choice for the post.
The BJP's decision to opt for a member of its ally as its choice is driven by its desire to be more accommodative to its partners, many of whom have often expressed their reservations at the saffron party's treatment of them since the government was formed in 2014.
The current strength of the Rajya Sabha is 244 and support of 123 members would be needed for a win in the full House.
Besides the nominated and independent members affiliated to it, the BJP is banking on the support of 13, nine, six and two members of the AIADMK, BJD, TRS, YSR Congress respectively, its floor managers said.
If all four parties support the NDA candidate, then the numbers add up to 126.
However, even if parties like BJD or TRS abstain from voting, then things will become tricky for the ruling alliance.
However, the United-opposition is yet to name their candidate. Reportedly, the final decision will be made after another meeting of Opposition on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday evening a meeting by the opposition parties was attended by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and Kapil Sibal of Congress, Ramgopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party, Tiruch Shiva of DMK, Satish Chandra Mishra of Bahujan Samajwadi Party, Praful Patel of NCP, D Raja of CPI, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Misa Bharti and Manoj Jha of RJD, CM Ramesh of Telegu Desam Party, and TK Rangarajan of CPIM.
The last time an election took place for the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson's post was in 1992. The fight was between Congress candidate Najma Heptulla, who is now with the BJP, and Renuka Chowdhary, who was the opposition candidate. Najma Heptulla won with 128 votes against Renuka Chowdhary's 95.