Raghav Chadha's Poetic Welcome Unites Rajya Sabha: CP Radhakrishnan Receives Rare Cross-Party Acclaim

Even members from the BJP who typically refrain from applauding opposition speeches participated in the enthusiastic desk-thumping.

New Delhi:

In an exceptional display of poetic eloquence that bridged partisan divides, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha extended a moving welcome to the newly-elected Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan through verses that deeply touched everyone present in the Upper House.

During the customary motion of thanks initiated by Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda, the youthful Punjab representative described Radhakrishnan's arrival in metaphorical terms: "the sun emerging after a long spell of darkness, a storm-tossed ship finally sighting shore, and the first drops of rain after a merciless heatwave."

Chadha highlighted what he called a "beautiful cycle of history," noting that the new Chairman shares his complete name with Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's first Vice-President who also served as the inaugural Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in 1952. "Seventy-three years later, destiny has brought another Radhakrishnan to the same chair," he observed, adding that even those with profound political or ideological differences characterize the new presiding officer as an "Ajatashatru" – someone without enemies.

The AAP representative expressed confidence that Chairman Radhakrishnan would continue the inclusive tradition of his distinguished namesake. "This House should feel like a family, not a battlefield. We hope the youngest voices, the newest members, will get more opportunities to speak and grow under your guidance," Chadha remarked, earning appreciative responses from both treasury and opposition benches.

In a concluding couplet that elicited extended applause, he stated, "Some people are known because of the posts they hold; others lend immortality and prestige to the posts they occupy. We are certain, Sir, that your tenure will belong to the second category."

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and several senior members, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, were observed nodding in agreement. Even BJP members who seldom applaud opposition speeches joined in the desk-thumping.

In his brief response, Chairman Radhakrishnan thanked Chadha for the "heart-warming words" and committed to conducting the House with impartiality, dignity, and affection. "I may not match the poetic brilliance of the member from Punjab," he remarked with a smile, "but I will certainly try to live up to the trust he has expressed."

This exchange offered a momentary haven of warmth during a day otherwise dominated by protests and adjournments in both Houses of Parliament.