Commerce and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. Former Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, who had held that position, has been appointed as the Karnataka Governor.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday congratulated Mr. Goyal an formalising the appointment. “Congratulations to @PiyushGoyal ji on being appointed the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. He has been entrusted by PM @narendramodi ji with key responsibility. Wishing him continued vigour in the service to the nation,” tweeted Mr. Joshi.
Mr. Goyal had been deputy leader of the Rajya Sabha under Mr. Gehlot, and this is being seen as a leg up for him in terms of political responsibility, as the BJP and the NDA are not in majority in the House and frequently require support from parties such as the YSRCP and the Biju Janata Dal to clear important legislation there. It is also a signal from Prime Minister Modi that despite divesting Mr. Goyal of Railways(the Ministry with a large outlay), he has been entrusted with the job of shepherding the government’s bills through Parliament especially in a House where it does not enjoy a majority.
The monsoon session of Parliament commences on July 19 and is expected to end on August 13.
