News for 'Independent Rajya Sabha'

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking the implementation of the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

Himachal's Independent MLA, Cong rebel's father booked for poll offences

Himachal's Independent MLA, Cong rebel's father booked for poll offences

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

A case of criminal conspiracy, corruption practices and undue influence on election has been registered on the complaint of two Congress MLAs, police said on Sunday.

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A dispute has erupted between MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur mayoral elections, leading to a BJP victory despite Congress being the single largest party.

Ahead of state polls, Cong to vacate its 'war room'

Ahead of state polls, Cong to vacate its 'war room'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

The 'war room' has been running since 2008, and all the important party meetings were held there.

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The real surprise in these results came from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Of the 29 Muslim candidates who got elected to the 227-strong BMC, the Congress and the AIMIM between them bagged 22.

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP, Sena together in Mumbai; divided in Pune, Sambhajinagar

BJP, Sena together in Mumbai; divided in Pune, Sambhajinagar

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will contest the January 15 polls to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune municipal corporations separately after seat-sharing talks failed. Leaders from both parties are blaming each other for the breakup. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will be held on January 15.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In terms of MLA salaries, Odisha is followed by Telangana (about Rs 2.7 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 2.6 lakh), Manipur (Rs 2.5 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 2.4 lakh).

'How many more people should die?': Oppn demands Shah's resignation

'How many more people should die?': Oppn demands Shah's resignation

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticizes Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him 'incompetent' and demanding his resignation following a deadly blast in Delhi, citing intelligence failure and lack of accountability.

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is also credited with the creation of the Election Commission of India. An amendment he brought to the Constituent Assembly led to the establishment of the Election Commission as an independent body responsible for conducting elections. Ambedkar's amendment consolidated election authority into a centralized body, headed by a chief election commissioner appointed by the President, rather than separate commissions for the Centre and states. This article delves into the historical context and the importance of Ambedkar's contribution in establishing the Election Commission of India.

BJP toppled 5 state govts, does the law permit it, asks Sibal

BJP toppled 5 state govts, does the law permit it, asks Sibal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

The remarks by Sibal, a noted advocate, came after Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar and eight others were inducted into the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government.

17th Lok Sabha likely to be shortest since 1952

17th Lok Sabha likely to be shortest since 1952

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

'With one more year remaining in the term, and 58 average sitting days a year, the 17th Lok Sabha is unlikely to sit for more than 331 days.' 'This could make it the shortest full-term Lok Sabha since 1952.'

Why I Want Parliament To Call Trump 'Greatest Liar Of The 21st Century'

Why I Want Parliament To Call Trump 'Greatest Liar Of The 21st Century'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

'Ordinary Indians are not happy with the tone and tenor of the American president.'

Haryana Polls Promise Thrilling Contests

Haryana Polls Promise Thrilling Contests

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The BJP has fielded as many as 10 turncoats, including those who joined the party from the JJP in recent weeks.

Welcome Maha guv's bid for VP polls with open mind but...: Raut

Welcome Maha guv's bid for VP polls with open mind but...: Raut

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

If the INDIA bloc and NDA develop consensus then Shiv Sena-UBT will also be part of that process, Raut said.

Independents key as BJP, Congress in RS poll dogfight in 4 states

Independents key as BJP, Congress in RS poll dogfight in 4 states

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

Seeking to consolidate its position in Rajya Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party is banking on independents for four additional seats and is seeking to capitalise on the infighting within the Congress in as many states in the June 10 biennial election.

Kiran Choudhry quits as MLA, BJP likely to give her RS ticket

Kiran Choudhry quits as MLA, BJP likely to give her RS ticket

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Haryana MLA Kiran Choudhry has resigned from the Vidhan Sabha and is likely to be fielded in the Rajya Sabha bypolls by the Bharatiya Janata Party, nearly two months after she joined the party after quitting the Congress.

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Given Modi's track record from the time he became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, it is highly improbable that Nabin will get opportunities to display his individual capacity. Even the team of organisational leaders that he will 'appoint' in a few weeks or months, will unlikely to be his choice, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha.

6 Congress rebels, 3 Independent MLAs in Himachal join BJP

6 Congress rebels, 3 Independent MLAs in Himachal join BJP

Rediff.com23 Mar 2024

Though Sukhu has been putting up a brave face and there appears to be no immediate threat to his government, the BJP is looking to bring down his dispensation with bypoll wins amid a view that it may draw more legislators of the ruling party into its fold.

Women's quota bill likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

Women's quota bill likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

The women's Reservation Bill is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing special session of the Parliament and in Rajya Sabha on September 21, government sources said.

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Two modules published by the NCERT, Swadeshi: Vocal for Local (for middle stage) and Swadeshi: For a Self-Reliant India (for secondary stage), carry excerpts from the prime minister's Independence Day address in which he stressed that self-reliance would drive India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

Sonia Gandhi faces privilege motion over remarks on Prez

Sonia Gandhi faces privilege motion over remarks on Prez

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

"The President was getting very tired by the end... she could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief, was heard saying in clips in what appeared to be a reference to how long the address was.

RS MP files police complaint against Himanta for 'Miya' remark

RS MP files police complaint against Himanta for 'Miya' remark

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

An Independent Rajya Sabha MP on Monday lodged a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party leader has made a "hate speech" against the 'Miya' community on the previous day.

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday turned down the Bharatiya Janata Party's offer to accommodate Praful Patel as a minister of state with independent charge in the new National Democratic Alliance government and said it was assured that 'remedial measures' would be taken.

Haryana RS polls: Independent MLA critical of BJP abstains

Haryana RS polls: Independent MLA critical of BJP abstains

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

Independent MLA Balraj Kundu, who has been vocal against the BJP-led government on several issues, remained firm in his decision to abstain from voting.

How Probe Against Justice Varma Will Unfold

How Probe Against Justice Varma Will Unfold

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'If the parliamentary committee's report does not find substantiated charges, the process ends.'

Gogoi compromised principles on independence of judiciary: Former SC judge

Gogoi compromised principles on independence of judiciary: Former SC judge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2020

Justice Joseph, who had once taken part in an unprecedented presser along with Gogoi, Justices J Chelameswar, Madan B Lokur (all retired) on January 12, 2018 on the functioning of the apex court, made his stand clear on the former CJI accepting nomination to the Upper House.

'Lalu Family's Has Had Problems For Long'

'Lalu Family's Has Had Problems For Long'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

'In times of adversity, families unite, but the reverse is happening in the Lalu family.'

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee Harsh Mahajan won the February 27 election through draw of lots after both candidates secured 34 votes each

No cross-voting, 5 Independents didn't vote for MVA: Praful Patel

No cross-voting, 5 Independents didn't vote for MVA: Praful Patel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2022

Praful Patel said all the MLAs of the NCP, the Congress, and the Shiv Sena voted as per the party line.

The Independent overshadowing NDA vs INDIA contest

The Independent overshadowing NDA vs INDIA contest

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

In the battle for 2024, the place is hogging the limelight, primarily because of Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who according to some opinion polls, may turn out to be the dark horse when votes are counted on June 4.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

RS polls: Left to back Cong nominated independent candidate

RS polls: Left to back Cong nominated independent candidate

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

The Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front has decided to support the Congress-nominated independent candidate for the ensuing Rajya Sabha elections in the state.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and several other top leaders of the NDA.

No 'shahenshah' can save his chair: HP Cong rebel

No 'shahenshah' can save his chair: HP Cong rebel

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

"Time will also take account of those registering cases and those getting them registered. Stopping the business of MLAs and allowing friends to loot, is this a change in the system?" he posed.

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

With nominations for the first phase of Bihar elections closing soon, the INDIA bloc is struggling to finalize seat sharing, while the NDA has announced its candidates. Key political figures are actively campaigning.