News for 'Independent Rajya Sabha'

BJP will have upper hand in Rajya Sabha by April 2018

BJP will have upper hand in Rajya Sabha by April 2018

Rediff.com5 Jul 2017

Its electoral triumphs in assembly polls, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, have made the BJP the single-largest party in the Rajya Sabha.

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.

Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh dies at 64

Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh dies at 64

Rediff.com1 Aug 2020

Amar Singh built an extensive network for the party, and was often spotted with celebrities, from the Bachchans to Anil Ambani to Subrata Roy.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

TMC Alleges Political Vendetta After Police Search Abhishek Banerjee's Residence

TMC Alleges Political Vendetta After Police Search Abhishek Banerjee's Residence

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned a pre-dawn police search at MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat residence in connection with an alleged financial fraud, calling it an act of political vendetta by West Bengal's BJP government. The party claims the search yielded no incriminating evidence, intensifying political confrontation in the state.

Rajya Sabha to take up Justice Sen impeachment

Rajya Sabha to take up Justice Sen impeachment

Rediff.com11 Aug 2011

On August 17, the Rajya Sabha for the first time will take up a case of impeachment of a sitting judge of the Calcutta high court, Justice Soumitra Sen. An impeachment motion will be moved by Communist party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury.

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.

BJP bags 12 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP

BJP bags 12 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

Mayawati was outmanoeuvred by the BJP in the race for the Rajya Sabha in Uttar Pradesh just days after she helped the Samajwadi Party snatch two Lok Sbaha seats from the saffron party in bypolls.

RJD to support JD-U in Rajya Sabha bye-elections

RJD to support JD-U in Rajya Sabha bye-elections

Rediff.com18 Jun 2014

Ignoring strong reservations by some senior party leaders and members of Legislative Assembly, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday announced his party's support to the ruling party's two candidates in the Rajya Sabha bye-election.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule's 'deemed merger' provision, which allows MLAs and MPs to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, citing its 'huge repercussions on our polity'.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

Rajya Sabha passes bill to appoint CEC, ECs as Opposition walks out

Rajya Sabha passes bill to appoint CEC, ECs as Opposition walks out

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners incorporating key amendments like retaining their status at par with Supreme Court judges, upgrading the search committee and inserting a new clause to protect them from court cases while discharging their official duties.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across multiple states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Haryana.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly attempting to bribe Odisha Congress MLAs, who are staying at a resort, as part of what Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claims is the BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Kharge condemned the use of the "abodh balak" term for Gandhi and alleged that BJP MPs can't even speak their mind.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

At this point at 85, Sharad Pawar is like a mature but ageing trapeze artist who is assessing if he will still land on his feet if he jumps from the safe perch of INDIA to the NDA. Can a Great Betrayal be presented as a tactical move? Watch Sharad Pawar do it, predicts Aditi Phadnis.

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Eminent journalist HK Dua, who led editorial operations at three of India's leading newspapers, has died at the age of 88. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and served as media advisor to two prime ministers.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

'New TMC' claims support of 64 MLAs, seeks floor test

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee claims 64 dissident TMC MLAs have submitted their names to the Speaker, constituting over two-thirds of the party's Assembly strength, and has called for a floor test to verify their claims of support amidst a widening split within the Trinamool Congress.

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter politics, with a formal announcement expected from the JD(U). Party leaders express enthusiasm and anticipate a significant role for Nishant within the party.

MLAs cross-vote in UP, K'taka Rajya Sabha polls

MLAs cross-vote in UP, K'taka Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com11 Jun 2016

The Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday saw cross-voting by a BJP MLA while another party legislator claimed that she was prevented from voting.

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

BJP rebel Gokul Gite secured a surprising victory in Maharashtra legislative council's Nashik district local governing body constituency, defeating the ruling Shiv Sena nominee Narendra Darade by 109 votes, despite senior Mahayuti leaders' attempts to resolve his independent candidature.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' during a campaign stop, alleging it was a staged event for cameras. She also accused the BJP of aiding Independents from the minority community and criticised the Election Commission over voter roll revisions.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

Haryana Congress MLAs to Visit 'Mandis' Amid Farmer Procurement Concerns

Haryana Congress MLAs to Visit 'Mandis' Amid Farmer Procurement Concerns

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Haryana Congress MLAs will visit 'mandis' to assess and support farmers facing difficulties in wheat and mustard procurement, following a decision made at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Delhi.

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.

Hooda Criticises Haryana Government Over LPG Cylinder Shortages and Black Marketing

Hooda Criticises Haryana Government Over LPG Cylinder Shortages and Black Marketing

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticises the state government over alleged LPG cylinder shortages and black marketing, urging immediate action to alleviate public hardship. He also addresses concerns regarding farmers' MSP and the SYL canal issue.

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is facing a significant internal crisis, with reports suggesting that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to form a separate group. MP Arvind Sawant has formally requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise any such breakaway faction, emphasising the primacy of the political party over its legislative wing.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

How did they bring nation to such a state? PM hits out at Oppn in RS

How did they bring nation to such a state? PM hits out at Oppn in RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, stating that the world is moving towards a new global order and that India has become a prominent voice for the Global South. He highlighted India's growing influence and trade deals.

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.