Raghav Chadha's Poetic Rajya Sabha Speech: "Sun After Darkness" Welcomes New Chairman
AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomes new Rajya Sabha Chairman with heartfelt poetry.
In a rare display of bipartisan warmth during Parliament's Winter Session, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha welcomed newly-elected Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan with eloquent poetry that moved members across aisles. Speaking during the motion of thanks moved by Leader of the House JP Nadda, Chadha likened Radhakrishnan's elevation to "the sun emerging after a long spell of darkness, a storm-tossed ship sighting shore, and first raindrops after a merciless heatwave." The Punjab MP's words earned desk-thumping applause from both treasury and opposition benches, including Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Chadha highlighted a "beautiful cycle of history," noting Radhakrishnan shares his full name with Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's first Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman in 1952. "Seventy-three years later, destiny brings another Radhakrishnan to the same chair," he said, describing the new Chairman as an "Ajatashatru"—a leader without enemies—even among those with ideological differences. Elected unopposed as Vice President on September 9, 2025, after defeating INDIA bloc's B. Sudarshan Reddy with 452 votes, Radhakrishnan assumed charge as the 15th Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman on September 12, following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation.
The AAP leader urged Radhakrishnan to foster inclusivity, making the House "feel like a family, not a battlefield," and give younger voices more speaking opportunities. In a closing couplet drawing prolonged applause, Chadha remarked, "Some are known because of posts they hold; others lend immortality to posts they occupy. Your tenure will belong to the second category." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier praised Radhakrishnan's journey from RSS roots and governorships in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra as an inspiration for MPs.
Also Read: “Bills Passed in Minutes!” CPI(M) MP’s Strong Warning Marks Turbulent Day 1 in Rajya Sabha
Responding graciously, Chairman Radhakrishnan thanked Chadha for the "heart-warming words" and pledged to conduct proceedings with "impartiality, dignity, and affection." "I may not match the poetic brilliance of Punjab's member, but I'll live up to the trust," he smiled. A veteran BJP leader and former Tamil Nadu BJP president, Radhakrishnan has held meetings with floor leaders to ensure smooth House functioning through dialogue and debate.
This exchange provided a brief oasis of civility amid Winter Session chaos, including Lok Sabha adjournments over SIR protests, signaling hopes for collaborative parliamentary discourse under Radhakrishnan's stewardship.
Also Read: Government Confirms Cyberattack Hit 7 Major Indian Airports—GPS Spoofing Exposed
