Mallikarjun Kharge Officially Takes Oath as Re-elected Rajya Sabha Member
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has formally taken the oath as a Rajya Sabha member following his re-election from Karnataka. The ceremony, conducted by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, was attended by key political leaders, reaffirming Kharge's continued role as the Leader of the Opposition.
Highlights
- •Mallikarjun Kharge has been re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state of Karnataka.
- •The oath of office was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.
- •Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended the ceremony to show their support.
- •Prominent government ministers, including J P Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, were also in attendance.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has officially reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary duties after being re-elected to the Rajya Sabha. On Monday, June 29, 2026, he formally took the oath of office, continuing his tenure as a representative of the state of Karnataka in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. This event underscores the ongoing political journey of the veteran leader, who has served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha since 2021.
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted with traditional formality by the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President, C P Radhakrishnan, within his private chamber. Delivering the oath in Hindi, Mallikarjun Kharge signaled the commencement of his new term. Following the completion of the constitutional requirement, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan offered his congratulations, expressing confidence that the legislative body would continue to derive significant value from the veteran politician's extensive experience and parliamentary wisdom.
Key Political Figures Attend Oath Ceremony
The significance of the occasion was highlighted by the presence of prominent political figures who gathered to witness the ceremony. Notably, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were in attendance to show their support. Their presence emphasized the importance of the Rajya Sabha re-election within the broader organizational framework of the party.
Additionally, the event saw participation from key members of the current government. Health Minister J P Nadda, serving in his capacity as the Leader of the House, attended the proceeding. Also present were Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. The presence of these officials reflects the collaborative nature of parliamentary procedures, despite the differing political affiliations of the participants involved in the process.
Commitment to Parliamentary Service
Reflecting on his return to the Upper House, Mallikarjun Kharge shared his sentiments regarding the responsibility that comes with his position. He expressed a deep sense of pride in maintaining his role as the Leader of the Opposition. By once again taking the oath of office as a Member of the Council of States, the leader reiterated his intent to remain actively involved in the legislative discourse and governance oversight.
The re-election of Mallikarjun Kharge to the Rajya Sabha marks a continuation of his longstanding career in public service. As he prepares to address the legislative challenges of the upcoming term, his role in the Upper House remains central to the political dynamics of the opposition. The ceremony serves as a formal bridge between his previous term and the new responsibilities he assumes as a re-elected member representing Karnataka.
