News for 'Houses of Parliament'

Parliament's Monsoon session remains unprorogued for record 88 days

Parliament's Monsoon session remains unprorogued for record 88 days

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's Parliament has set a new record by remaining unprorogued for 88 days since the Monsoon session was adjourned indefinitely on August 13. This unusual procedural move is linked to speculation about convening Parliament at short notice to consider a constitutional amendment for the Women's Reservation Bill. The decision allows for quicker reconvening compared to starting a fresh session.

Ready to call special Parliament session to debate SIR: Shah to Rahul

Ready to call special Parliament session to debate SIR: Shah to Rahul

Rediff.com2 Nov 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong counterattack against the INDIA bloc's 'vote chori' allegations, challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to a special Parliament session debate on EVMs and infiltrators. Shah dismissed the INDIA bloc's rally as a "save infiltrator" event, questioning Congress's wins if EVMs are faulty and asserting the BJP's commitment to removing all infiltrators from electoral rolls.

'I should have been moderate in criticising him': Sonia on ex-PM Vajpayee

'I should have been moderate in criticising him': Sonia on ex-PM Vajpayee

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," reveals her interactions with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, including a phone call after the 2001 Parliament attack and a heated exchange during a joint session in 2002 over the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO). Gandhi recounts Vajpayee's strong reaction to her criticism and her later reflection on the incident.

Penguin was 'uneasy' with...: Sonia breaks silence on memoir row

Penguin was 'uneasy' with...: Sonia breaks silence on memoir row

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sonia Gandhi has broken her silence on the censorship controversy surrounding her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

'Americans said no to war': Iran reacts to US midterms

'Americans said no to war': Iran reacts to US midterms

Rediff.com6 days ago

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has interpreted the US midterm election results as a clear rejection of conflict by the American public, stating, "Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message." This comes as Democrats are poised to take control of the US Congress, securing the Senate and gaining seats in the House of Representatives.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

Delhi Court Directs Action In Alleged Police Sexual Assault Case

Delhi Court Directs Action In Alleged Police Sexual Assault Case

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Delhi court has directed the Parliament Street police station to file an action-taken report on a woman's plea alleging sexual assault by a police officer and others during an October 3 protest. The court also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the incident, with a compliance report due within a week and the ATR by December 1.

'Public has right to know': Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over foreign trips

'Public has right to know': Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over foreign trips

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to disclose details of his foreign trips to the public, saying they have a right to know since he was the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha.

From 'theek hai' to firm no: Why Sonia refused to be PM in 2004

From 'theek hai' to firm no: Why Sonia refused to be PM in 2004

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love" reveals the intense internal conflict and family opposition behind her decision to decline the prime minister's post in 2004. Despite initial rejection, then a hesitant acceptance under pressure from alliance leaders, she ultimately followed her "inner voice" to refuse the top job, nominating Manmohan Singh instead.

Jantar Mantar denotified for protests, these are the new sites

Jantar Mantar denotified for protests, these are the new sites

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Delhi Police has officially denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, instead naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi as the new venues for demonstrations. This decision, issued via a standing order by Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, aims to address the significant logistical and security challenges posed by protests in the sensitive New Delhi district.

British MP tables motion in Parl backing India's sovereignty over J-K

British MP tables motion in Parl backing India's sovereignty over J-K

Rediff.com22 Oct 2026

A British Conservative Party MP, Bob Blackman, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to reaffirm India's sovereignty and territorial integrity over Jammu and Kashmir. The motion, timed for Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, also expresses concern over terror incidents and targeted killings in the region and calls for constructive dialogue.

Man abducted from Samajwadi Party MP's house, rescued in 24 hours

Man abducted from Samajwadi Party MP's house, rescued in 24 hours

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Four individuals, including an aide to Samajwadi Party MP Laxmikant, alias Pappu Nishad, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Vishal Kumar. Kumar had previously filed a complaint against the MP under the Prevention of Atrocity Act. Police rescued Vishal Kumar within 24 hours, thwarting a plan to take him to Ayodhya and kill him.

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.

Israel Prez breaks precedent, delays choice of next PM

Israel Prez breaks precedent, delays choice of next PM

Rediff.com4 days ago

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Thursday evening that it is unclear who has the ability to form a government, despite Gadi Eisenkot receiving 67 recommendations and Benjamin Netanyahu 46. This uncertainty stems from mutual vetoes between and within political blocs, particularly concerning the inclusion of Arab parties due to their stance on Hamas. Herzog plans to hold personal talks with party leaders before tasking someone on Sunday.

Venues denied, INDIA bloc moves 'public impeachment' of CEC to Kharge's home

Venues denied, INDIA bloc moves 'public impeachment' of CEC to Kharge's home

Rediff.com28 Oct 2026

The Congress party and the INDIA bloc are planning a 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of violating the Constitution and subverting electoral democracy. This comes after alleged denials of permission for their event, which they claim is an attempt by the government to silence criticism. The JD(U) has criticised the move as an insult to Parliament and the judiciary.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra moves SC over circuit house eviction

TMC MP Mahua Moitra moves SC over circuit house eviction

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has moved the Supreme Court alleging that district administration officials in Nadia, West Bengal, evicted her from a circuit house despite her being allotted a room. The top court refused urgent listing of the matter, which Moitra's counsel claims involves an important constitutional issue and requires an independent investigation. Moitra also wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker, detailing alleged harassment and a crowd gathering outside the circuit house.

Opposition MPs enact 'donation theft' at Parliament complex

Opposition MPs enact 'donation theft' at Parliament complex

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a symbolic protest in Parliament, enacting the "theft" of Ram Temple donations. The INDIA bloc demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and questioned his absence, also protesting police action against student agitators.

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian Parliament remains deadlocked as the Opposition, led by the Congress, insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to discussions on alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and student protests, rejecting the government's offer for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond.

Shuchita Patel is fighting polls in former KKK territory

Shuchita Patel is fighting polls in former KKK territory

Rediff.com2 Nov 2026

Shuchita Patel, an Indian-American Democrat, is making a historic bid for Forsyth County Commissioner in Georgia, a region with a dark racial past. Running against a 16-year unopposed incumbent, Patel aims to bring change and stand up to what she calls a "bully" opponent, driven by a desire to create a better community for future generations amidst a deeply divided American political landscape.

Can CEC Gyanesh Kumar be removed? What law says

Can CEC Gyanesh Kumar be removed? What law says

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Opposition India bloc has threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This move comes as the Opposition plans a joint agitation and highlights the constitutional process for removing a CEC, which mirrors that of a Supreme Court judge.

TMC breakaway, land bonanza? Gujarat offers 500 sqm free for Yusuf Pathan

TMC breakaway, land bonanza? Gujarat offers 500 sqm free for Yusuf Pathan

Rediff.com20 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government has proposed to allot a long-disputed municipal plot in Vadodara to former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, gifting 500 square metres and offering the rest at a concessional rate. This proposal comes months after Pathan, a newly elected MP, broke away from the Trinamool Congress to join the NDA. The plot has been subject to legal battles and encroachment notices since 2012.

No meet was sought, offer turned down: EC on Oppn protest

No meet was sought, offer turned down: EC on Oppn protest

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Election Commission of India clarified its position after INDIA bloc MPs marched to its office, stating that no formal appointment was sought until late afternoon. The EC later declined a request to meet 240 MPs at the Parliament House Annexe, citing protocol that meetings must be held at the EC premises. The incident involved a protest march led by Rahul Gandhi and a standoff with police.

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon session is yet to end formally, giving rise to speculation that the government wants to pass a key legislation without convening a new session.

When Cops Blocked INDIA Bloc March To Election Commission

When Cops Blocked INDIA Bloc March To Election Commission

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Glimpses of the INDIA bloc's protest march from Parliament House to Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission headquarters, in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

'Nobody Knows What Government Is Thinking. It's Unusual'

'Nobody Knows What Government Is Thinking. It's Unusual'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

'When the House adjourned, they were not yet getting 360. They were short of that, maybe by six or seven or ten.' 'So they wanted to break more parties and get their support, and they were engaged in that.'

Sitharaman hits back at Congress on IDBI Bank divestment, alleges UPA misused banks

Sitharaman hits back at Congress on IDBI Bank divestment, alleges UPA misused banks

Rediff.com30 Oct 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly criticised the Congress party and the previous UPA government amidst the row over IDBI Bank's divestment, alleging they used banks and financial institutions as "personal entities" and pressured employees to extend loans bypassing prudent norms. She defended the current government's decision to sell a stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax, stating it was revived through professionalism and recapitalisation.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi booked for Akashvani Bhawan entry

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi booked for Akashvani Bhawan entry

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with their supporters, for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan during an opposition march against the Chief Election Commissioner on October 6. The incident occurred after an INDIA bloc protest towards the Election Commission office was halted, leading to detentions.

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora were preventively detained by Delhi Police on Friday, preventing their participation in the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protests amidst heightened security in the national capital.

Give Nadia admin 24-hour notice before visit: SC to Mahua Moitra

Give Nadia admin 24-hour notice before visit: SC to Mahua Moitra

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed TMC MP Mahua Moitra to inform the Nadia district administration a day in advance of her visits to ensure proper arrangements. This comes after Moitra's plea against a circular requiring longer prior notice and her allegations of non-cooperation from the administration regarding accommodation and MPLADS projects. The court observed that such issues should ideally be resolved without judicial intervention.

A new record: Why govt has not ended monsoon session after 40 days

A new record: Why govt has not ended monsoon session after 40 days

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's Monsoon session of Parliament remains formally unprorogued 40 days after adjournment, setting a new record. This unusual delay fuels speculation that the government intends to introduce a key legislation, possibly an amendment to the women's reservation law, without convening a new session. The proposed amendment aims for a 50 per cent seat expansion to address concerns over delimitation.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

Risk of stampede, impact on businesses: What Delhi cops' no-protest notice says

Risk of stampede, impact on businesses: What Delhi cops' no-protest notice says

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Delhi Police have taken stringent measures to prevent the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Connaught Place, deploying thousands of personnel and citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS due to risks of traffic disruption, stampede, and threats to public safety.

How Rahul Gandhi turned INDIA bloc march into standoff

How Rahul Gandhi turned INDIA bloc march into standoff

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi dramatically shifted the INDIA bloc's protest after their march to the Election Commission was stopped and leaders were detained. He entered Akashvani Bhavan, leading to a standoff and a continued sit-in joined by other opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to protest against alleged threats to democracy.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

Why L Murugan Quit The Modi Ministry

Why L Murugan Quit The Modi Ministry

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Murugan's resignation comes amid speculation over an impending ministerial reshuffle.

NEET row rocks Parliament for fourth day, deadlock deepens

NEET row rocks Parliament for fourth day, deadlock deepens

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Parliament proceedings were stalled for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday as loud protests by an unrelenting opposition over the NEET paper leak and demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation reverberated in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leading to adjournment of the two Houses for the day without transacting any business.

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi led a significant opposition protest in New Delhi, attempting to march to the Election Commission office to allege "vote chori" and demand the CEC's resignation. The protest resulted in a lockdown of Parliament Street, a standoff at the All India Radio premises, and detentions of several opposition MPs, drawing strong reactions from the ruling BJP.

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Opposition parties disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, leading to multiple adjournments. Protests focused on the alleged NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft issues, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The House was eventually adjourned for the day after repeated appeals for order failed.

Rahul Gandhi's Congress Janta Party

Rahul Gandhi's Congress Janta Party

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

With the anti-Gyanesh Kumar campaign, Rahul Gandhi is showing he is determined to not let anyone else claim credit for what follows, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.