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

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha after being reelected to the Upper House from Karnataka reaffirming his commitment to raising public issues and holding the government accountable in ParliamentThe oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan in his chamber at ParliamentSenior leaders attend oathtaking ceremonyThe ceremony was attended by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi VadraSeveral senior leaders from the government were also present including Health Minister and Leader of the House JP Nadda Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman HarivanshKharge elected unopposed from KarnatakaOn June 11 Kharge was among three Congress candidates and one BJP nominee who were declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from KarnatakaThe 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 HD Deve Gowda of the JDS whose tenure ended on June 25Kharge had sought reelection to the Upper House after the completion of his previous termKharge thanks party leaders and Opposition colleaguesAfter taking the oath Kharge shared a message on X expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving in the Rajya SabhaIt is a matter of immense pride and responsibility to continue serving this august Upper House as the Leader of the OppositionI had the privilege of taking the oath of office as a Member of the Council of States again It is a matter of immense pride and responsibility to continue serving this august Upper House as the Leader of the OppositionI extend my sincere gratitude to the Honrsquoble Vicehellip pictwittercomoUfG94ppO4mdash Mallikarjun Kharge kharge June 29 2026He also thanked Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan and Deputy Chairman Harivansh for their continued supportKharge 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 serviceFocus on Monsoon Session and public issuesKharge also acknowledged the cooperation extended by leaders of other Opposition partiesI 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 addedReiterating the Oppositions role in Parliament Kharge said it would continue to raise issues affecting citizens and ensure that public concerns receive due attentionWe 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 addedWith inputs from IANS