News for 'Houses of Parliament'

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

BJP cracks whip ahead of women's quota push in Parliament

BJP cracks whip ahead of women's quota push in Parliament

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs, requiring their presence during the extended Budget session of Parliament, where amendments to the Women's Reservation Act are expected to be considered.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

When Modi, Rahul Gandhi share rare candid chat in Parliament

When Modi, Rahul Gandhi share rare candid chat in Parliament

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi engaged in a brief conversation during an event commemorating Jyotirao Phule, drawing attention due to the rarity of such interactions between the two leaders.

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian Parliament has passed a bill amending the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, focusing on biological discrimination and excluding social orientations from its scope. The bill aims to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals facing discrimination due to biological issues, while also introducing graded punishments for harm inflicted on them.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, as Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session amidst ongoing regional tensions.

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

House functions by rules, not privilege: LS Speaker Birla

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed concerns about fairness and speaking privileges in the House, emphasising that all members, including the Prime Minister, must adhere to parliamentary rules and procedures.

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

NDA floor leaders held a meeting after the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Haryana boycotted a special session of the state assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of using the platform for political propaganda related to a defeated Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The BJP criticised the Congress's move as anti-women.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

BJP MP files notice to disqualify Rahul from Parliament

BJP MP files notice to disqualify Rahul from Parliament

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has initiated a 'substantive motion' against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing the lower house's strength to 850 is slated for introduction in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution and utilise 2011 Census data for redrawing constituencies.

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 crore for the functioning of both Houses of Parliament, with specific provisions for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and related secretariats.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Women's Reservation Act 2023, mandating 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, has been enacted, but its immediate implementation is unclear due to ongoing parliamentary debates and delimitation requirements.

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

AAP MP Raghav Chadha claims he was silenced after being removed as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, alleging his own party sought to prevent him from speaking in Parliament.

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress MP K C Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging breach of privilege during a recent address to the nation.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Punjab police registered two FIRs under sections for non-bailable offences against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. Both FIRs were filed in different districts of Punjab.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in Parliament, marking a setback for the government's efforts to empower women in politics.

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The BJP and opposition parties are engaged in a political battle over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act, with the BJP defending it as historic and the opposition accusing the government of delaying its notification and using it to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise.

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that the government may bring a bill to increase seats in the Lok Sabha, potentially to implement reservation for women in the legislature. The Opposition has raised concerns about the timing and implications of the proposed bills.

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

On Friday, April 10, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Nitish Kumar as Bihar's elected Rajya Sabha MP at Parliament House, New Delhi.

Rahul-govt faceoff: Can MPs quote documents in Parliament?

Rahul-govt faceoff: Can MPs quote documents in Parliament?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

When Gandhi started quoting the from unpublished book, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned as to how material which is not published can be cited in the House.

Cong, allies committed 'sin of foeticide': Modi on women's bill

Cong, allies committed 'sin of foeticide': Modi on women's bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused opposition parties of obstructing the passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament, alleging they have crushed the dreams of women and prioritised selfish politics over national progress.

Raghav Chadha indulges in 'soft PR', fears Modi: AAP hits back

Raghav Chadha indulges in 'soft PR', fears Modi: AAP hits back

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has publicly criticised its MP Raghav Chadha, accusing him of avoiding raising critical issues against the central government in Parliament and instead focusing on 'soft PR'. Senior AAP leaders have questioned his commitment to the party line and his absence during key parliamentary events.

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Rediff.com5 days ago

Ruling Congress in Karnataka on Monday retained Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats, giving a respite to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership, amid the ongoing power tussle over the leadership issue.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

'16 holds the answer': Rahul's cryptic swipe at BJP keeps Parl guessing

'16 holds the answer': Rahul's cryptic swipe at BJP keeps Parl guessing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who made "number 16" jibe at the treasury benches during his speech in Lok Sabha on Friday on three new bills, refused to elaborate on it in his brief interaction with reporters and said "it is a puzzle" and he "won't tell the answer just like that".

No Iranian delegation has left for Pakistan yet: Report

No Iranian delegation has left for Pakistan yet: Report

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran's state broadcaster denies sending a diplomatic delegation to Pakistan for talks with the US, despite reports suggesting otherwise. This denial comes amid escalating tensions and aggressive rhetoric from Washington, even as signs of potential diplomatic movement emerge.

Showdown in Parliament as Rahul, Kharge 'not allowed to speak'

Showdown in Parliament as Rahul, Kharge 'not allowed to speak'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following a dispute between the government and the opposition regarding Rahul Gandhi's request to speak before the Union Budget discussion commenced.

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Harivansh is likely to be elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman for a third term as the opposition has decided to boycott the election in protest.