**Executive Summary**
On March 18, 2026, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, delivered a farewell speech for 59 Members from 20 States retiring between April and July 2026. The address emphasizes the constitutional process of periodic membership renewal to ensure institutional continuity and recognizes the contributions of veteran leaders and nine retiring women members. Notably, the term of the Deputy Chairman, Shriman Harivansh, is scheduled to conclude on April 9, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Institutional Framework and Statistics**
* **Constitutional Mandate:** The House follows a constitutional scheme where one-third of its members retire every two years to ensure a balance of continuity and periodic change.
* **Retirement Figures:** A total of 59 Members representing 20 different States are retiring, a group that includes 9 Women Members.
* **Purpose of Transition:** The process is designed to create space for new members to provide fresh ideas and energy while benefiting from the legacy of outgoing parliamentarians.
**Recognition of Distinguished Leadership**
* **Former Prime Minister:** Shriman H. D. Devegowda is recognized for his stature, deep commitment to rural communities, and perspectives on farmer interests.
* **Leader of the Opposition:** Shriman Mallikarjun Kharge is commended for his long career in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and his role in democratic functioning.
* **Deputy Chairman:** Shriman Harivansh, whose term ends April 9, 2026, is lauded for his impartial presiding over the House and his representation in international forums such as the IPU, CPA, and BRICS.
* **Panel of Vice-Chairpersons:** The Chairman recorded appreciation for these presiding officers for their role in the smooth conduct of House business.
**Contributions to Governance and Democracy**
* **Diverse Representation:** Retiring members are noted for being articulate voices for diverse regions and communities, representing the aspirations of their respective states.
* **Legislative Experience:** Many outgoing members possess significant experience in executive and administrative capacities, which enriched the House's debates.
* **Women Members:** The speech highlights the "steadfast commitment" and noteworthy contributions of the retiring women members to public service.
**Impact Analysis**
**Retiring Members**
**Impact**
They conclude their official terms of office between April and July 2026. While their legislative tenure ends, they are viewed as transitioning into new roles where their experience will continue to guide future parliamentarians.
**Action Required**
Members must conclude their current parliamentary responsibilities and pass the "baton" to successors. Some members who have been re-elected will prepare to begin new terms.
**Incoming Members**
**Impact**
New members will join the House to fill vacancies, bringing fresh insights and energy to the Council of States.
**Action Required**
They are expected to carry forward the institutional legacy, maintain the decorum of the House, and learn from the wisdom of their predecessors.
**The Rajya Sabha (Council of States)**
**Impact**
The House undergoes a periodic change in composition, reflecting the diverse character of the nation. It loses the immediate service of several veteran leaders and the Deputy Chairman.
**Action Required**
The institution must ensure the smooth transition of membership and the continued orderly functioning of legislative business despite the change in composition.
Key Entities Referenced
Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of India’s Parliament, also known as the Council of States, whose constitutional scheme for periodic member retirement is the central subject of the speech.
H. D. Devegowda: Former Prime Minister of India and a distinguished veteran parliamentarian highlighted as one of the prominent members retiring from the House.
Mallikarjun Kharge: The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and a veteran legislator identified as a key retiring member.
Harivansh: The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha whose term is concluding and who was recognized for his service as a presiding officer.
C. P. Radhakrishnan: The Hon'ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha who delivered the farewell address and presided over the ceremony for retiring members.
Rajya Sabha Secretariat
Text of Farewell Speech to Retiring Members
made in the House today by Shri C. P.
Radhakrishnan, Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
Posted On: 18 MAR 2026 3:07PM by PIB Delhi
CHAIRMAN: Hon'ble Members, today, we bid farewell to some of our esteemed colleagues who would
be retiring in the months of April to July this year on completion of their term of office. A total of 59
Members from 20 States will be retiring during this period, including 9 Women Members.
Hon'ble Members, our constitutional scheme provides for the retirement of one-third of the Members of
this House every two years, thereby bringing about a periodic change in the composition of this august
House. This arrangement ensures continuity in the functioning of the Council of States while also creating
space for new Members to join the House and enrich its deliberations with their experience and insights.
This process truly reflects the character of this House as a micro-cosmof our diverse nation.
Hon'ble Members, retirement should not be viewed as an end but as the beginning of new roles and
responsibilities. It signifies the passing on of the baton to new Members who will carry forward the legacy
of this institution with fresh ideas, renewed energy and commitment. At the same time, the experience and
wisdom gained by the retiring Members during their tenure will continue to guide and inspire the next
generation of parliamentarians.
Among the Members retiring are several distinguished public figures and veteran parliamentarians who
have served the nation with dedication for many years in public life. Shriman H. D. Devegowda Ji, former
Prime Minister of India, is a distinguished leader whose presence has added great stature to the House.
With his long experience in parliamentary and public life and his deep commitment to the interests of
farmers and rural communities, he has brought valuable perspectives to the debates of this House.
The House has also benefited greatly from the leadership and experience of Shriman Mallikarjun Kharge
Ji, the Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. With his long and distinguished
parliamentary career in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Shriman Kharge Ji has been an
important voice in the democratic functioning of this House.
I would also like to make a particular mention of Shriman Harivansh Ji, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of
the Rajya Sabha, whose term is also coming to an end on 9th April 2026. Shri Harivansh has presided over
this House with dignity, impartiality, and a deep sense of responsibility. Before entering parliamentary life,
he had a distinguished career in journalism and public discourse, and he brought to this House his vast
experience, calm demeanour, and commitment to parliamentary traditions. As Deputy Chairman, he has
guided the proceedings of the House with patience, fairness, and wisdom, earning the respect and
appreciation of Members across the political spectrum. Furthermore, he has made meaningful and
valuable contributions in several national and international parliamentary forums, including the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the BRICSParliamentary Forum, the CSPOC, and the P-20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit. His contribution
towards maintaining the decorum and orderly functioning of the House will always be remembered with
great regard.
I also record my appreciation to retiring Members of the Panel of the Vice-Chairpersons whose
contributions as the Presiding Officer have enabled the smooth conduct of business of the House.
Among the retiring Members are also several distinguished personalities who have made notable
contributions in governance and public life.
The House has also benefited from the experience of those Members who have served the country in
executive and administrative capacities.
All the retiring Members have been articulate voices representing diverse regions and communities of our
country. Most of them have long experience in legislative affairs and have contributed significantly to the
debates of the House.
They have represented the aspirations of their respective States and communities "and the nation as a
whole" and have raised important issues related thereto in this House.
Hon'ble Members, a beautiful sentiment expressed in Tamil reminds us:
“ெசய்ைகயின்/நன்ைம/காலம்/கடந்தும்/வாழும்.”
[“ceykaiyiṉ/naṉmaikālamkaṭantumvāḻum.” ]
which conveys that though one retires, the good done by one’s deeds continues to live on through time.
The retiring Members of this House have, through their public service and dedication, created such
enduring contributions that will remain part of the legacy of this institution.
Their insights and interventions have enriched the debates and discussions of this House and strengthened
the democratic process. The contributions made by the women Members who are retiring are particularly
noteworthy and reflect their steadfast commitment to public service.
I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation for the valuable contributions made by the retiring
Members and for the cooperation and support they have extended to the Chair in the conduct of the
proceedings of the House.
Some among the retiring Members have already been re-elected to this House, and I am sure a few more
will be re-elected, and their experience will once again enrich the deliberations of this august
institution. Farewell is always a painful moment, marked by a sense of parting, yet made meaningful by
the lasting memories and contributions that endure.
As they conclude their term in this august House, I wish all the retiring Members good health, happiness,
and success in their future endeavours. I am confident that they will continue to serve the nation and the
people with the same dedication and commitment that they have demonstrated during their tenure in this
House.
****
RKK
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