History of Rajya Sabha Speaker : From Inception to Present Day

History of Rajya Sabha Speaker : India’s parliamentary system is known for its robust structure and democratic values. Among the two houses of the Indian Parliament — Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States) — the Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in representing the states and providing checks and balances to legislation.

While the Lok Sabha has a Speaker as its presiding officer, the Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice President of India, who acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. However, many people refer informally to this role as the “Speaker of Rajya Sabha,” although officially it is known as the Chairman.

This article traces the fascinating journey of the Rajya Sabha Chairmanship, its historical evolution, and its significant role in Indian democracy.

The Establishment of Rajya Sabha

he Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, was established as the upper house of India’s Parliament to represent the interests of the states and union territories at the national level. The idea of a bicameral legislature in India was inspired by the British parliamentary system and deeply discussed in the Constituent Assembly. The founding fathers envisioned Rajya Sabha as a more reflective chamber that would prevent hasty legislation and provide experienced, mature perspectives to national debates. It was formally constituted on 3 April 1952, and its first sitting took place on 13 May 1952.

Unlike the Lok Sabha, which directly represents the people of India and is subject to dissolution every five years, the Rajya Sabha was designed as a permanent body. This feature ensures continuity in parliamentary work, as one-third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected to fill those seats. This system of staggered elections helps maintain stability and experience within the house. The Rajya Sabha was meant to act as a revising chamber that would scrutinize bills and policies passed by the Lok Sabha and bring state-level concerns to the national forefront.

The Rajya Sabha consists of a maximum of 250 members, out of which 238 are representatives of the states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President of India for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service. The representation of states is done in proportion to their population, ensuring that larger states have a stronger voice. The creation of Rajya Sabha not only strengthened the federal structure of India but also emphasized cooperative federalism, giving states a crucial role in shaping national policies and legislation.

Role of the Rajya Sabha Chairman

The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha is known as the Chairman, a position held ex-officio by the Vice President of India as per Article 64 of the Constitution. The Chairman presides over the sessions, maintains order, allows members to speak, and ensures that the proceedings run smoothly.

In the absence of the Chairman, a Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members of Rajya Sabha to preside over its proceedings.

Also Read :- Nitin Gadkari Net Worth 2025: A Deep Dive into His Wealth, Career & Legacy

First Chairman of Rajya Sabha

The first Vice President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, became the first Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in 1952. His scholarly background and calm demeanor set a high standard for the conduct of the House.

Dr. Radhakrishnan served two terms as Vice President from 1952 to 1962, during which he efficiently presided over the upper house.

List of Chairmen of Rajya Sabha

Here’s a chronological list of Vice Presidents who have served as Chairmen of Rajya Sabha since its inception:

Sr. No.	Name	Tenure as Chairman
1	Dr. S. Radhakrishnan	1952 – 1962
2	Dr. Zakir Husain	1962 – 1967
3	V.V. Giri	1967 – 1969
4	Gopal Swarup Pathak	1969 – 1974
5	B.D. Jatti	1974 – 1979
6	M. Hidayatullah	1979 – 1984
7	R. Venkataraman	1984 – 1987
8	Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma	1987 – 1992
9	K.R. Narayanan	1992 – 1997
10	Krishan Kant	1997 – 2002
11	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat	2002 – 2007
12	Mohammad Hamid Ansari	2007 – 2017
13	M. Venkaiah Naidu	2017 – 2022
14	Jagdeep Dhankhar	2022 – Present

Evolution of the Role

Over the years, the Chairman’s role has evolved along with the changing political dynamics of the country. Initially, the position was largely ceremonial, with limited intervention in debates. However, as politics became more vibrant and sometimes tumultuous, the Chairman’s job required greater authority and tact to ensure decorum and productivity.

Prominent Chairmen like Dr. Radhakrishnan and M. Venkaiah Naidu emphasized maintaining dignity and fairness in debates, often reminding members of the House’s higher calling as a council of states and elder statesmen.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Alongside the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman plays a crucial role. The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha members and presides over the House in the Chairman’s absence.

Some notable Deputy Chairmen include:

• S.V. Krishnamoorthy Rao
• Harivansh Narayan Singh (current Deputy Chairman since 2018)

The presence of a Deputy ensures continuity and stability in the legislative process.

Also Read : Top 5 Lok Sabha Seats in India : The Power Centers of Indian Politics

Chairman’s Powers and Responsibilities

The Chairman’s responsibilities are similar to those of the Lok Sabha Speaker but with certain distinctions:

• Presiding over sessions: Decides who speaks, maintains order, and ensures discipline.
• Deciding on points of order: Clarifies rules and resolves procedural ambiguities.
• Referring bills to committees: Plays an essential role in shaping how bills are reviewed.
• Maintaining neutrality: The Chairman does not participate in debates and votes only in the case of a tie.

Significance in Indian Democracy

The Chairman of Rajya Sabha holds a unique constitutional position as the link between the executive (as Vice President) and the legislature (as presiding officer).

The role symbolizes the federal spirit of India, as Rajya Sabha is designed to represent states. The Chairman, therefore, acts as a guardian of this spirit, ensuring that state interests are well-articulated and protected in national legislation.

Notable Moments in History

Over the decades, there have been several memorable moments under various Chairmen:

• Dr. Radhakrishnan’s speeches emphasizing tolerance and intellectual debate.
• The decisive leadership during turbulent sessions in the 1970s Emergency period.
• The active engagement and witty interventions by M. Venkaiah Naidu, which helped maintain order while keeping debates lively.

Such episodes illustrate how the Chairman’s personality can shape the tone and decorum of Rajya Sabha proceedings.

Challenges Faced

Modern Indian politics has made the Chairman’s role more challenging. Increased disruptions, frequent adjournments, and polarization among parties have often tested the patience and skill of the Chair.

The Chairman must balance strictness and flexibility to ensure that the House fulfills its constitutional duties while respecting the rights of members.

The history of the Rajya Sabha Speaker (Chairman) is not just about a ceremonial head but about a custodian of India’s federal and parliamentary democracy. From Dr. Radhakrishnan to Jagdeep Dhankhar, each Chairman has contributed to shaping the Rajya Sabha into a house of dignity, wisdom, and constructive debate.

As India’s democracy continues to evolve, the Rajya Sabha Chairman will remain a pivotal figure in ensuring that the voice of the states resonates at the national level and that parliamentary traditions are upheld with integrity and grace.

History of Rajya Sabha Speaker FAQs