News for 'Congress Rajya Sabha'

M S Gill, Tohra elected to Rajya Sabha

M S Gill, Tohra elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com19 Mar 2004

The others to be elected to the Upper House from Punjab were Ashwini Kumar and Dharampal Sabharwal (Congress) and Virender Singh Bajwa (Shiromani Akali Dal).

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Dhirendra Shastri, head of Bageshwar Dham, has apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after facing backlash in Maharashtra. He claimed his comments were twisted on social media and clarified his stance on dedicating children to the RSS.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Digvijaya Singh ends 10-year exile, enters Rajya Sabha contest

Digvijaya Singh ends 10-year exile, enters Rajya Sabha contest

Rediff.com28 Jan 2014

Putting an end to his ten-year self-imposed 'exile' from electoral politics, Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh.

Sachin's first speech in Rajya Sabha drowned out by Congress members

Sachin's first speech in Rajya Sabha drowned out by Congress members

Rediff.com21 Dec 2017

Tendulkar was slated to initiate a short duration discussion on the right to play and the future of sports in India, which was disrupted by the protests that led Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn the House for the day.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

BJP, Oppn seek to rally support as farm bills reach Rajya Sabha

BJP, Oppn seek to rally support as farm bills reach Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Sep 2020

The numbers, however, appear to be in favour of the ruling dispensation to get these bills passed from Rajya Sabha, while the lower house has already cleared them despite a key NDA member Shiromani Akali Dal vehemently opposing them.

Derek O'Brien is Trinamool chief whip in Rajya Sabha

Derek O'Brien is Trinamool chief whip in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 Aug 2012

Trinamool Congress has named Derek O'Brien as its chief whip in the Rajya Sabha. The party, which is a key constituent of the United Progressive Alliance government, has sent a communication in this regard to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, sources said in New Delhi on Thursday.

JD-U removes Sharad Yadav as leader of party in Rajya Sabha

JD-U removes Sharad Yadav as leader of party in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com12 Aug 2017

Announcing the party decision, Bihar JD-U president Vashishtha Narayan said, ""It was a necessary step because being leader if a person indulges in anti-party activities it has to be condemned unanimously."

Sitharaman, TMC MP Saugata Roy spar over Hindi speech in Lok Sabha

Sitharaman, TMC MP Saugata Roy spar over Hindi speech in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday lashed out at TMC MP Saugata Roy for objecting to her speaking in Hindi on a bill, pointing out that the translation technology allows members to listen to speeches in any language.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same girl.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same child.

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

CPI-M's Yechury won't get third term in Rajya Sabha

CPI-M's Yechury won't get third term in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com25 Jul 2017

The decision was taken keeping in mind the party norm that no CPI-M leader can represent the party in the Upper House for more than two terms.

Trinamool demands voting in Rajya Sabha on FDI

Trinamool demands voting in Rajya Sabha on FDI

Rediff.com4 Dec 2012

Trinamool Congress, which had earlier been ambiguous on the rule under which the debate on Foreign Direct Investment should take place, on Tuesday moved a motion in Rajya Sabha seeking discussion with voting. "This House disapproves the entry of FDI in multi-brand retail," read the motion moved by Trinamool members D Bandopadhyay and Vivek Gupta under Rule 168, which entails voting.

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

An irate woman confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP demonstration in Mumbai, blaming him for the traffic chaos caused by the protest over the women's reservation bill. The incident, captured on video, has sparked criticism of the BJP's protest tactics.

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

However, a majority in the Council of States will continue to elude the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

P J Kurien elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

P J Kurien elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

Rediff.com21 Aug 2012

Setting aside their confrontation over the CAG report on coal block allocation, opposition and the ruling dispensation on Tuesday got together in a rare show to unanimously elect Congress leader P J Kurien as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, while also urging him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally. He also mentioned the previous Chairman, triggering protests.

BJP, LJP, NCP members clash in Rajya Sabha

BJP, LJP, NCP members clash in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com19 Mar 2012

Acrimonious scenes were on Monday witnessed in the Rajya Sabha as members from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Lok Janshakti Party and Nationalist Congress Party clashed over the issue of reported low Muslim representation in admissions to private schools in Delhi. The sharp exchanges during Zero Hour also led to a heated argument between Ram Vilas Paswan, who raised the issue and BJP members, who alleged that Paswan was casting aspersions on P J Kurien (in the Chair).

Rajya Sabha passes bill to amend Enemy Property Act

Rajya Sabha passes bill to amend Enemy Property Act

Rediff.com10 Mar 2017

The bill to amend the 49-year-old law to guard against claims of succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China was passed amid a walkout by the entire Opposition.

Juvenile Justice Bill passed in Rajya Sabha amid Oppn ruckus

Juvenile Justice Bill passed in Rajya Sabha amid Oppn ruckus

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

The Upper House, which has seen continuous protests by the Opposition since the Monsoon session started on July 19 to press for discussions on Peagasus and farm laws, was adjourned thrice before the Chair finally adjourned it for the day.

14 criminals, 50 crorepatis to contest Rajya Sabha elections

14 criminals, 50 crorepatis to contest Rajya Sabha elections

Rediff.com5 Feb 2014

A latest survey by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that 14 criminals and 50 crorepatis will be contesting the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

'Rekha will perform the part in Rajya Sabha'

'Rekha will perform the part in Rajya Sabha'

Rediff.com9 May 2012

Bharthi S Pradhan, editor of Film Street Journal, and a long time Rekha-watcher sheds, light on the enigmatic actress and how she will handle her new role, in this revealing interview.

In Rajya Sabha, PM Modi taunts Congress, says it is above criticism

In Rajya Sabha, PM Modi taunts Congress, says it is above criticism

Rediff.com9 Mar 2016

Narendra Modi was both conciliatory and mocking towards the Opposition, particularly Congress, during his hour long reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address in the Upper House.

Rajya Sabha adjourned abruptly, Lokpal Bill NOT passed

Rajya Sabha adjourned abruptly, Lokpal Bill NOT passed

Rediff.com30 Dec 2011

In a total anti-climax, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday adjourned abruptly without passing the Lokpal Bill in the midst of uproar after government sought more time for considering enormous number of amendments.

PM to file nomination for 5th term in Rajya Sabha

PM to file nomination for 5th term in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com9 May 2013

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will travel to Guwahati to file his nomination papers for his fifth term in the Rajya Sabha on May 15. The election has been scheduled for May 30.

Meet the Opposition's grand marshall in the Rajya Sabha

Meet the Opposition's grand marshall in the Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com10 Aug 2019

Despite the Congress having nearly four times as many members in the Rajya Sabha as the TMC (48 to 13), Derek O'Brien has been informally leading the coordination of Opposition parties, rallying other parties to demand a discussion on electoral reforms and to protest the government's disinvestment plans, report Rahul Jacob and Archis Mohan.

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A viral video of a woman confronting a Maharashtra minister over traffic jams caused by a BJP rally has sparked a backlash, forcing the ruling party to defend its actions and prompting apologies for the inconvenience caused to commuters.

AIADMK allots 27 seats to BJP in TN, to contest 178

AIADMK allots 27 seats to BJP in TN, to contest 178

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

AIADMK has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement with key NDA alliance members, including the BJP, PMK, and AMMK, for the upcoming elections, as announced by AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Rajya Sabha numbers on mind, BJP dials Jaya

Rajya Sabha numbers on mind, BJP dials Jaya

Rediff.com19 May 2014

BJP-led govt will need regional parties' support in Upper House to get legislation cleared. Archis Mohan reports

How Sonia chose the nominees for Rajya Sabha

How Sonia chose the nominees for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Mar 2010

The six presidential nominees to the Rajya Sabha have reportedly been handpicked by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, in an attempt to reassert her authority in the United Progressive Alliance government, which has allegedly acquired a pro-United States stance under the aegis of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The five persons nominated are Mani Shanker Aiyer, Javed Akhtar, Dr Balchandra Mungekar, Bombay Jayshri and Dr Ram Dyal Munda.

Rajya Sabha issues code of conduct for members ahead of budget session

Rajya Sabha issues code of conduct for members ahead of budget session

Rediff.com29 Jan 2022

As per the rules and regulations, members must not do anything that brings disrepute to the Parliament and affects their credibility, and members must utilise their position as Members of Parliament to advance general well-being of the people.

Cong starts process to fill up Rajya Sabha vacancies

Cong starts process to fill up Rajya Sabha vacancies

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has called a meeting of chief ministers of 12 Congress-ruled states to figure out how to fill out the vacancies in the Rajya Sabha. Highly-placed sources have said that he wants to cajole Amethis's former feudal lord Sanjay Singh; by giving him an RS ticket, in view of his own weak position in Amethi. Renu Mittal reports.

Hat-trick of embarrassments awaits Govt in Rajya Sabha

Hat-trick of embarrassments awaits Govt in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Feb 2017

A united Opposition is expected to move amendments to the motion of thanks for the President's address on how note ban was a mess.

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating raids on premises linked to I-PAC executives to disrupt their election campaign in West Bengal, alleging vendetta politics and interference in the electoral process.

Mines bill: Opposition in Rajya Sabha to force deferment of bill

Mines bill: Opposition in Rajya Sabha to force deferment of bill

Rediff.com19 Mar 2015

Opposition on Thursday forced deferment of consideration of the contentious Mines and Minerals Bill in Rajya Sabha till on Friday.

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha's Keonjhar district brought the skeleton of his dead sister to a bank to withdraw money deposited in her name after bank officials insisted on the account holder's presence.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till April 26 over Nandigram

Rajya Sabha adjourned till April 26 over Nandigram

Rediff.com21 Mar 2007

This is the sixth day that Parliament has been disrupted.