Master Stroke: Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election to be held on August 9

The NDA and the opposition today appeared to be heading for a showdown in the Rajya Sabha for election to the deputy chairman's post with
JD(U) MP Harivansh emerging as the ruling alliance's candidate and the opposition giving a clear indication of fighting the August 9 contest.
Hours after Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu announced the date for election to the post, almost all opposition parties held a meeting where they decided to field a common candidate for the contest in the Upper House, where the BJP-led ruling alliance lacks majority.
A senior leader who attended the deliberations said all those present were told to discuss the issue within their respective parties and come up with suggestions for a common candidate when the opposition meets again tomorrow. It is learnt that the Congress was open to supporting a nominee from any opposition party.