RS members welcome new Chairman with hope & expectations

Venkaiah Naidu was on Friday accorded a warm welcome as the new Chairman of the Rajya Sabha by the members, many of whom urged him to continue with the practice of not allowing any bill to be passed in the din.

There were also requests from the smaller parties that justice should be done with them in terms of giving them appropriate time to speak in the Upper House of Parliament.

Felicitating Naidu, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said that after attaining the position of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, he has become "independent and not a party person."

For Naidu, his religion or party should now remain only in his mind and not in his conduct, the senior Congress leader said. He reminded him of the "scale of balance" carved in the seat of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, that calls for the post to do justice to all. Also, the practice has been to accommodate and allow everyone to speak, Azad said.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) also talked about the practice of not passing any bill in the din.

He, however, added that the responsibility for smooth conduct of the House is not just of the Chair but also of those creating such ruckus as they should realise on what issues they should create pandemonium and on what not.

He hoped the smallest parties will be allowed a say.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien expressed confidence that Naidu "will not commit a sin to pass any bill in the din." He hoped that Naidu would maintain his "sense of humour and yet remain firm... May the Chair always listen to voice of opposition."

O'Brien also urged Naidu to continue his practice of using acronyms. The TMC leader made an acronym of Naidu as 'Now All India's Dearest Umpire'.

A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the Chairman can connect with every region of the country and every member of the House effectively. He expressed confidence that each member would get an opportunity in the House to speak.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, in his last remarks as member of the House as he is retiring, expected Naidu's innings in the Upper House to be "very illustrious". He was confident that Naidu will uphold the Constitution and do justice while presiding over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.

Yechury said Naidu, whom he has known for last 40 years, is now holding an important position and is custodian of our constitution.

"If Parliament does not function and discharge its responsibilities, the people's sovereignity dissolves. This is not permissible," he said, and hoped that Naidu would run the House with justice and dignity.

S C Mishra of BSP said he has been a great admirer of Naidu and hoped that all members would get an opportunity to speak in the House.

D Raja (CPI) hoped that Naidu will underline the importance of multi-party democracy.

NCP's Praful Patel said that Naidu occupying the second highest Constitutional post reflects the strength of Indian democracy and is a great example for the coming generations.

Balwinder Singh Bhundar (SAD) said the dream of having a farmers' son as vice president and a dalit's son as President has turned true after a long time.