Mallikarjun Kharge takes oath as Rajya Sabha member again, vows to continue 'holding govt accountable'

The oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan in his chamber at Parliament.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha after being re-elected to the Upper House from Karnataka, reaffirming his commitment to raising public issues and holding the government accountable in Parliament.

The oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan in his chamber at Parliament.

Senior leaders attend oath-taking ceremony

The ceremony was attended by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Several senior leaders from the government were also present, including Health Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

Kharge elected unopposed from Karnataka

On June 11, Kharge was among three Congress candidates and one BJP nominee who were declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

The election was held to fill four Rajya Sabha seats that fell vacant following the completion of the terms of BJP members Iranna Kadadi and Narayana Koragappa, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda of the JD(S), whose tenure ended on June 25.

Kharge had sought re-election to the Upper House after the completion of his previous term.

Kharge thanks party leaders and Opposition colleagues

After taking the oath, Kharge shared a message on X, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving in the Rajya Sabha.

"It is a matter of immense pride and responsibility to continue serving this august Upper House as the Leader of the Opposition."

He also thanked Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and Deputy Chairman Harivansh for their continued support.

Kharge expressed gratitude to Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MPs, party workers and supporters, whose unwavering faith and encouragement, he said, have "sustained me throughout my long journey in public life and Parliamentary service."

Focus on Monsoon Session and public issues

Kharge also acknowledged the cooperation extended by leaders of other Opposition parties.

"I am equally grateful to the Floor Leaders of all political parties, especially our colleagues in the INDIA bloc, and the wider Opposition, for their cooperation and camaraderie. I look forward to even stronger coordination during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament so that, together, we can make the government of the day more accountable," he added.

Reiterating the Opposition's role in Parliament, Kharge said it would continue to raise issues affecting citizens and ensure that public concerns receive due attention.

"We will continue to raise the burning concerns, aspirations and voices of the people with sincerity, conviction and determination. That remains our foremost responsibility, and I shall discharge it with the utmost commitment," he added.

(With inputs from IANS)