Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, administered the oath of office to Shri Mallikarjun Kharge as a re-elected Member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka at Parliament House on June 29, 2026. Kharge, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, took the oath in a ceremony held in the Parliament premises.
Kharge Expresses Gratitude and Commitment
Following the oath-taking, Kharge stated, "I 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 Opposition." He extended his sincere gratitude to the Vice President and Chairman for administering the oath and to his colleagues for their continued support.
Re-election from Karnataka
Kharge was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka in the biennial elections held earlier in 2026. His new term allows him to continue representing the state in the Upper House of Parliament. As the Leader of the Opposition, Kharge plays a key role in coordinating the opposition's legislative strategy and holding the government accountable.
Significance of the Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony underscores the continuity of parliamentary democracy in India. Kharge, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2004 and has held various portfolios in the government. His re-election and continued role as Leader of the Opposition are seen as crucial for the opposition's functioning in the Upper House.
Reactions from Political Circles
Several political leaders congratulated Kharge on his re-election and oath-taking. The event was also marked by a social media post from the Vice President's office, which shared a photo of the ceremony. Kharge's own social media post highlighted the pride and responsibility he feels in serving the House.
