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Today, Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar administered oaths to 14 newly elected members of the esteemed Upper House of Parliament, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi, stepping into her role as a Rajya Sabha MP for the first time, filled the seat from Rajasthan left vacant after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure ended on April 3. This significant event unfolded just days before the impending Lok Sabha elections, set to commence from April 19.
In a dignified ceremony attended by notable figures like Leader of the House Piyush Goyal and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi took her oath. Her decision to opt for the upper house this time, attributed to health concerns, marks a notable shift from her previous roles as a Lok Sabha representative from Rae Bareli.
The oath-taking ceremony witnessed a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces, symbolizing both continuity and change in Indian politics. Among those who pledged their commitment to serve the nation were Ashwini Vaishnaw, who holds key portfolios in the government, and other notable figures like Madan Rathore and Ajay Maken.
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s election to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha with the support of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) underlines the collaborative efforts across party lines. The diverse composition of the newly elected members reflects the dynamism of India’s political landscape.
With the BJP-led NDA holding 121 seats and the I.N.D.I.A bloc parties securing 91 seats in the upper house, the oath-taking ceremony signified not just a formal ritual but a reaffirmation of dedication to parliamentary duties and national service.
