News for 'Four Rajya Sabha'

Centre notifies CAA rules ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Centre notifies CAA rules ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

With the CAA rules being issued, the Modi government will now start granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians -- from the three countries.

'Jai Shri Ram, ban gaya kaam': Rebel Cong MLAs return to HP

'Jai Shri Ram, ban gaya kaam': Rebel Cong MLAs return to HP

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The returnees also included three independent MLAs, who too had landed in Panchkula on Tuesday after casting their votes in the Rajya Sabha election.

Sukhu owns up for HP defeat, crisis over, says DKS

Sukhu owns up for HP defeat, crisis over, says DKS

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

Shivakumar also said that the central observers have spoken to Sukhu, party MLAs and state unit chief Pratibha Singh and all differences have been ironed out.

TDP-YSR Congress battle over Tirupati laddus turns bitter

TDP-YSR Congress battle over Tirupati laddus turns bitter

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, on the ghee samples provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The government has received requests for facilitation of early discharge of some Indian nationals purportedly recruited into the Russian armed forces in unclear circumstances, he said.

Manmohan Singh nearly solved Kashmir issue: Omar's fulsome praise

Manmohan Singh nearly solved Kashmir issue: Omar's fulsome praise

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that India and Pakistan came closer to resolving the Kashmir issue during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. He added that he does not expect a return to that situation in his lifetime. Abdullah lauded Singh's efforts on Kashmir, including the setting up of working groups on the issue, and said he practically initiated measures for the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The chief minister also praised Singh's contribution to India's economic development.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

Modi among first 195 BJP Lok Sabha candidates; See full list

Modi among first 195 BJP Lok Sabha candidates; See full list

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight again from Varanasi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as it named 34 Union ministers in the first list of 195 candidates.

Blow for Congress ahead of RS polls as 2 Gujarat MLAs resign

Blow for Congress ahead of RS polls as 2 Gujarat MLAs resign

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

The Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to break the opposition party to win the Rajya Sabha polls.

Parliament set to meet in new building today

Parliament set to meet in new building today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

The Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha will meet again on Tuesday afternoon in the new Parliament building, with Speaker of the Lower House Om Birla urging the members to abstain from 'organised disruptions' and 'carrying placards' in the new chamber.

Omar Abdullah to contest LS poll from Baramulla

Omar Abdullah to contest LS poll from Baramulla

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

The junior Abdullah would be banking heavily on Shia support as the constituency has many Shia dominated areas that include Budgam, Beerwah, Pattan, Sonawari and Bandipora, among other pockets.

PIX: Parliament moves into its new home

PIX: Parliament moves into its new home

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

In a historic transition, the Parliament moved into a swanky new complex on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging MPs to forget all past bitterness and start a new chapter and the introduction of the women's reservation bill taking centre stage.

Does Maha poll rout signal end for Sharad Pawar's politics?

Does Maha poll rout signal end for Sharad Pawar's politics?

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The rout of Sharad Pawar-led faction has raised questions over his political future with a potential risk of a further slide in the party flock in future.

Kerala was warned early about landslides, but...: Shah

Kerala was warned early about landslides, but...: Shah

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Centre had sent multiple advance warnings to the Kerala government about possible floods and landslides in the state, starting as early as July 23, and nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were rushed to the state the same day.

Sitaram Yechury: A face of pragmatic Left politics

Sitaram Yechury: A face of pragmatic Left politics

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The CPI-M leader was fluent in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bangla, and also Malayalam. He was also well-versed in Hindu mythology, and often used those references in his speeches especially to attack the BJP.

Preamble not removed from NCERT textbooks: Govt

Preamble not removed from NCERT textbooks: Govt

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said the Preamble to the Constitution is very well there in NCERT textbooks of Class VI as he refuted charges made in this regard by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

BJP rejig: Anil Antony, ex-AMU VC made vice presidents

BJP rejig: Anil Antony, ex-AMU VC made vice presidents

Rediff.com29 Jul 2023

The BJP has dropped C T Ravi, a leader from Karnataka, Dilip Saikia, a Lok Sabha MP from Assam, as its general secretaries, and Vinod Sonkar, Harish Dwivedi, both Lok Sabha MPs from Uttar Pradesh, and Sunil Deodhar as secretaries.

Shinde's Shiv Sena ousts Sanjay Raut as RS party leader, appoints Kirtikar

Shinde's Shiv Sena ousts Sanjay Raut as RS party leader, appoints Kirtikar

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has sacked Sanjay Raut as the leader of its parliamentary party and appointed Lok Sabha MP Gajanan Kirtikar as his successor.

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.

Harivansh to remain RS deputy chairman despite JD-U's exit from NDA

Harivansh to remain RS deputy chairman despite JD-U's exit from NDA

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

The Janata Dal-United's decision to break its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party not only changed the political equation in Bihar but also created a buzz in the political circle from Patna to Delhi that whether Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and JD-U MP Harivansh will continue on his post or going to resign.

4 Guj Cong MLAs resign from assembly ahead of RS polls

4 Guj Cong MLAs resign from assembly ahead of RS polls

Rediff.com15 Mar 2020

The Congress had on Saturday shifted its 14 MLAs to Jaipur fearing horse-trading by the ruling BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

High drama was witnessed during the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Saturday with ministers Jagat Negi and Rohit Thakur leaving midway following a 'heated debate' over policy decisions, sources said.

Maliwal case: Delhi Police to scrutinise CCTV footage at CM's House

Maliwal case: Delhi Police to scrutinise CCTV footage at CM's House

Rediff.com17 May 2024

The Delhi Police has written to the company that has installed CCTVs at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's place to take footage of the incident in which party MP Swati Maliwal was allegedly assaulted at the Chief Minister's house, sources said.

AAP shares new video accusing Swati Maliwal of 'staging drama'

AAP shares new video accusing Swati Maliwal of 'staging drama'

Rediff.com18 May 2024

In a video, Swati Maliwal was being escorted out by the police and security guards.

Suspension of MPs: Oppn rejects govt's invitation

Suspension of MPs: Oppn rejects govt's invitation

Rediff.com19 Dec 2021

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi had invited leaders of four political parties for a meeting on Monday morning convened by Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal to discuss and resolve the stalemate over the suspension of MPs.

RS polls in 4 states to be videographed, have special observers

RS polls in 4 states to be videographed, have special observers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Amid allegations of attempts at horse-trading in the Rajya Sabha elections in four states, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday said special observers have been appointed to oversee the poll process which will be videographed.

4 pro-YSRCP news channels off air in Andhra post polls; Oppn party moves TRAI

4 pro-YSRCP news channels off air in Andhra post polls; Oppn party moves TRAI

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

In a recent letter to TRAI, Reddy claimed the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators Association took these four channels off air due to alleged coercion by the TDP-led government in the state.

Amid 'surprise' buzz, Parliament session to begin from Monday

Amid 'surprise' buzz, Parliament session to begin from Monday

Rediff.com17 Sep 2023

The unusual timing of the session has left everyone wondering, even though the main standout feature on the listed agenda is a special discussion on Parliament's journey of 75 years starting from the "Samvidhan Sabha" (Constituent Assembly).

Will Monsoon Session Be Another Washout?

Will Monsoon Session Be Another Washout?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

The productivity of the Budget session was abysmal. The Lok Sabha functioned for 33% of its scheduled time (46 hours); the Rajya Sabha 24% (32 hours).

BJP hardliners blamed Sushil Modi for soft approach toward Nitish

BJP hardliners blamed Sushil Modi for soft approach toward Nitish

Rediff.com14 May 2024

Modi earned his spurs as a doughty leader of the Opposition in the assembly, a post he held till 2004 when he got elected to the Lok Sabha from Bhagalpur.

Winter session of Parl ends early amid demands for discussion on Tawang clash

Winter session of Parl ends early amid demands for discussion on Tawang clash

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

However, members requested the government and the presiding officers of both the House to end the proceedings early citing the festive season and New Year celebrations ahead.

May Narendra Modi become CM again: Nitish's faux pas

May Narendra Modi become CM again: Nitish's faux pas

Rediff.com26 May 2024

The Bihar chief minister, who has of late been making news for goof-ups, made the faux pas at an election rally on the outskirts of Patna.

Discontent grows within Trinamool, BJP in Bengal

Discontent grows within Trinamool, BJP in Bengal

Rediff.com24 Mar 2024

Discontentment seems to be increasing by the day in sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal with several leaders of both camps expressing displeasure over the selection of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

PIX: Glitzy opening for inaugural Kho Kho World Cup

PIX: Glitzy opening for inaugural Kho Kho World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

After a stunning dance performance celebrating India, and highlighting the vibrant and colourful culture of the country, the athletes of the participating nations paraded around the stadium.

LS poll: Lalu's 2 daughters among 22 RJD candidates

LS poll: Lalu's 2 daughters among 22 RJD candidates

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Acharya will contest from Saran while Bharti will try her luck in the Patliputra LS constituency.

Sambhal violence well-planned BJP conspiracy: Akhilesh

Sambhal violence well-planned BJP conspiracy: Akhilesh

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged a 'well-planned' conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, where a team of Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit on December 4 amid restrictions imposed by the district administration.

Worst-ever show in Maharashtra weakens Cong's role in INDIA bloc

Worst-ever show in Maharashtra weakens Cong's role in INDIA bloc

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Congress continued its losing spree on Saturday posting its worst-ever show in Maharashtra and ending up a distant junior partner to the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in Jharkhand, further diminishing its role in the opposition bloc as other allies perform better.