News for 'Assemblies and Parliament'

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'Muslims in Bihar under Nitishji's rule are safest than anywhere else.'

South Korea puts travel ban on Prez amid martial law probe

South Korea puts travel ban on Prez amid martial law probe

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

On Saturday, Yoon apologised to the nation in his first public statement since his attempt to declare martial law, acknowledging that he "caused anxiety and inconvenience" to people of South Korea.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

President Murmu to lead celebrations to mark 75 years of Constitution

President Murmu to lead celebrations to mark 75 years of Constitution

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

A special website has also been created to mark the year-long celebrations, Union Culture Secretary Arunish Chawla told reporters during a briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

All is not well in NDA? Union minister threatens to quit

All is not well in NDA? Union minister threatens to quit

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi threatened to resign from the cabinet, alleging that his Hindustani Awam Morcha was not getting a fair deal in the NDA ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. Manjhi, the lone MP of his party, said he wanted 40 seats for his party in the upcoming elections, adding that he was not pursuing any personal ambitions but seeking a better deal for the "Bhuiyan-Musahar" Dalit community.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

BJP, AAP spar as cops claim NGO links to bomb hoaxes

BJP, AAP spar as cops claim NGO links to bomb hoaxes

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The issue of hoax bomb threats to more than 400 schools in the capital triggered a political storm ahead of the Delhi assembly polls on Tuesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party raising questions about the possible links between those involved and the Aam Aadmi Party, prompting the latter to strongly rebuke the claims.

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move 'dictatorial' and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses of Parliament, highlighting the government's achievements in various sectors, including economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. She emphasized the government's efforts to lift the economy out of "policy paralysis" and create a more inclusive society. Murmu also acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud and cybercrime and stressed the need for a social infrastructure revolution. The President's speech is considered a policy statement, outlining the government's vision and roadmap for the future.

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, allegedly linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, has visited India 18 times. Sarma, while speaking in the state assembly, claimed that the initial information in the case is "very fatal" for the Congress and will have a "huge impact" on the politics of Assam. He also stated that the investigation findings will put some people in an indefensible position.

Karnataka Cong MLA walks out of assembly after spat with Speaker

Karnataka Cong MLA walks out of assembly after spat with Speaker

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

Unhappy with the Question Hour being stretched, Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy said the Speaker should 'tear' the rule book if he is not following it.

Delhi assembly bans entry of MPs, leaders in premises

Delhi assembly bans entry of MPs, leaders in premises

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

In view of the tense situation due to the overnight protest at the assembly premises by MLAs of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, the assembly secretariat on Tuesday issued an order banning the entry of members of Parliament and political party leaders in its premises.

No woman minister in Maharashtra, points out Pawar in assembly

No woman minister in Maharashtra, points out Pawar in assembly

Rediff.com8 Mar 2023

The Nationalist Congress Party leader was speaking in the assembly on a resolution moved by Speaker Rahul Narvekar urging the government to formulate a new women's policy.

'Parliament must be inaugurated by the President of India'

'Parliament must be inaugurated by the President of India'

Rediff.com26 May 2023

'There is no law or Article in the Constitution that says the prime minister must inaugurate the new Parliament, but Article 79 of the Constitution says the President of India is the competent person.'

History of women's representation in Parliament so far

History of women's representation in Parliament so far

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Looking at the history of women representation in Lok Sabha, the percentage remained about 5 till the 1970s and it was only in 2009 that it could reach a double-digit figure.

TMC MLAs protest against Moitra for exclusion from party events

TMC MLAs protest against Moitra for exclusion from party events

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Seven TMC MLAs within the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency of party MP Mahua Moitra have written to Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee demanding her removal as Nadia Uttar organisational district president. The lawmakers allege that Moitra has been ignoring Assembly representatives while undertaking party programmes and indulging anti-social elements, causing significant damage to the party's image. The MP has responded by dismissing the complaint as "district-level rubbish."

Modi remembers Nehru in farewell speech at old Parliament building

Modi remembers Nehru in farewell speech at old Parliament building

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

As the old Parliament building hosted a session one last time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday bid a poignant farewell recalling the country's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru's iconic 'tryst with destiny' speech for continuing to inspire everyone and another predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 'governments may come and go' remark.

Confirmed! Rinku Singh to marry SP MP Priya Saroj

Confirmed! Rinku Singh to marry SP MP Priya Saroj

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

According to Priya Saroj's father SP MLA Tufani Saroj his daughter and Rinku Singh got acquainted through one of her friends whose father is also a cricketer.

Pakistan's Parliament to reconvene on Monday to elect new PM

Pakistan's Parliament to reconvene on Monday to elect new PM

Rediff.com10 Apr 2022

Pakistan's Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday nominated himself for the post of prime minister, while Imran Khan's party threatened to withdraw its lawmakers from Parliament if the former Punjab chief minister was allowed to contest the election for the top post on Monday.

Rahul Gandhi to visit violence-hit Parbhani on Monday

Rahul Gandhi to visit violence-hit Parbhani on Monday

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Maharashtra's Parbhani city on Monday to meet the families of two persons who died following violence there earlier this month.

Bills to replace IPC, CrPC among 18 listed for Parliament's winter session

Bills to replace IPC, CrPC among 18 listed for Parliament's winter session

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

Besides the bills, the government has listed the first batch of supplementary demands for grants for 2023-24 for presentation, discussion and voting during the session.

Parliament adjourned within minutes of commencement

Parliament adjourned within minutes of commencement

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The Question Hour in Lok Sabha has been disrupted every day since March 13.

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

What India needs more than one simultaneous election is better governance both at the central and state level. Yes, we need reforms, but our priority should be to make elections less expensive, make it more democratic, do away with freebies which are actually bribes before elections, allow only those who are educated to contest, and bring in a bill to make it impossible for criminals to contest, advocates Ramesh Menon.

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha over the ongoing strike by ASHA workers in Kerala, with Congress and CPI(M) MPs trading accusations over responsibility for addressing their demands for a higher honorarium and post-retirement benefits. Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that both the Kerala government and the Union government had ignored the workers' pleas, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas countered by claiming Kerala provides the highest honorarium to ASHA workers. The debate also saw demands for an AIIMS in Kerala and a hike in MBBS seats, as well as concerns over maternal health, elderly care, and mental health in India.

'Something Fishy About Election Results'

'Something Fishy About Election Results'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

'How can the voting percentage be higher than the actual polled votes?'

Will army help Nawaz Sharif as Pak heads for hung parliament?

Will army help Nawaz Sharif as Pak heads for hung parliament?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2024

Springing a surprise, independents backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won the lion's share of 101 seats in the National Assembly in Thursday's election.

SC asks Punjab guv to decide on granting assent to Bills passed by assembly

SC asks Punjab guv to decide on granting assent to Bills passed by assembly

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

he Punjab government had also sought a judicial declaration that the assembly session held on June 19 and 20 was "legal and that the business transacted by the House is valid".

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the secular nature of the state does not prevent it from interfering with religious practices and attitudes when they impede development and the right to equality in the larger public interest. The court dismissed pleas challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution, which added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble, stating that Parliament's amending power extends to the Preamble as well.

Union cabinet gives go ahead to 'one nation, one poll'

Union cabinet gives go ahead to 'one nation, one poll'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for 'one nation, one Election' as recommended by the Kovind panel, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.

'One nation, one poll': Kovind panel suggests 18 amendments to Constitution

'One nation, one poll': Kovind panel suggests 18 amendments to Constitution

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Eighteen distinct amendments to the Constitution and other statutes would be required for the implementation of the Kovind committee's recommendations on simultaneous elections, according to the panel's report accepted by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concerns about the Congress party's leadership role within the INDIA bloc, raising questions about their ability to justify their position. Abdullah highlighted a sense of disquiet among some allies, who feel the Congress isn't doing enough to earn its leadership position. While praising Sonia Gandhi's leadership, he also criticized the alliance's lack of consistent engagement and called for more structured communication to address potential disagreements. Abdullah's comments suggest underlying tensions within the opposition alliance, particularly regarding the Congress's electoral performance and seat distribution strategies.

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The principal opposition party though appeared content securing 99 of the 543 seats in the 2024 national elections as against its all-time low of 44 in 2014 and then 52 in 2019.

Rahul, Priyanka win from Kerala as it is 'mini-Pakistan': Maha min

Rahul, Priyanka win from Kerala as it is 'mini-Pakistan': Maha min

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and questioned the need for Rane to remain part of the cabinet.

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'So, they have taken away the word Waqf from the Bill.' 'It will now be known as the UMEED Act.'

Not many takers for NOTA in these polls too

Not many takers for NOTA in these polls too

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The None of the Above (NOTA) option once again found few takers, with 0.75 per cent of the electorate pressing the button in Maharashtra and 1.32 per cent in Jharkhand. Votes for the assembly elections in these two states were counted on Saturday.

Uddhav's MP for apologises calling Shaina N C 'imported maal'

Uddhav's MP for apologises calling Shaina N C 'imported maal'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

He asked what action was taken when other political leaders earlier called women leaders as "Jersey cow" and "Surpankha".

TMC gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

TMC gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded that the Election Commission (EC) accept its error in issuing duplicate voter card numbers within 24 hours, threatening to release more documents on the issue if the EC fails to do so. The party alleged that the EC issued the statement after the TMC announced it would hold a press conference on the issue, and termed it an "Epic Scam." The EC had said it would rectify the issue and update its technology-driven platform, but the TMC insists the EC must accept the error. The party also demanded an in-depth probe into the matter.

INDIA bloc faces uncertainty amid rising discord

INDIA bloc faces uncertainty amid rising discord

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Questions are being raised on the future of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as differences among its constituents come to the fore and several parties call for serious introspection by the Congress after a string of debilitating electoral losses.