News for 'Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha'

Rajya Sabha clears long-pending Insurance Bill

Rajya Sabha clears long-pending Insurance Bill

Rediff.com12 Mar 2015

Foreign investment cap in insurance sector raised to 49 per cent.

Why EVMs Won't Be Used In VP Election

Why EVMs Won't Be Used In VP Election

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

EVMs can't be used in presidential, vice-presidential, or Rajya Sabha polls because they only count simple votes, not the preference-based system needed for these elections.

Kharge vs Shah over Priyanka's jibes at Modi over Bengal poll

Kharge vs Shah over Priyanka's jibes at Modi over Bengal poll

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the opposition in Rajya Sabha, linking the division of the 'Vande Mataram' song to the partition of India. He accused Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru of dividing the song for appeasement politics.

Has the 15th Lok Sabha been the WORST performing ever?

Has the 15th Lok Sabha been the WORST performing ever?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2014

From 1952 to 1967, each of the three Lok Sabhas sat for an average of 600 days and more than 3,700 hours. In comparison, the 15th Lok Sabha -- from 2009 till 2013 -- has met for just 345 days and 1,331 hours, says Shreya Singh

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

In apparent signs of thaw after years of bickering stemming out of internal feud in the AIADMK in the past, party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran back in to the National Democratic Alliance. The AMMK founder reciprocated with a "heartfelt thanks," yet admitting there was "sibling rivalry" with AIADMK, the party he was once associated with.

Government faces flak over Finance Bill in Rajya Sabha

Government faces flak over Finance Bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Mar 2017

The Opposition on Monday charged the government with trying to promote crony capitalism, creating fear by giving "unbridled power" to taxmen, trying to snoop into people's lives through increased use of Aadhaar through the provisions of the Finance Bill.

Food bill to be taken up in Lok Sabha on Monday: Kamal Nath

Food bill to be taken up in Lok Sabha on Monday: Kamal Nath

Rediff.com23 Aug 2013

The Food Security Bill, which could not be taken up despite being listed in the Lok Sabha'a agenda since Monday, will not be part of business on Saturday.

In Rajya Sabha, PM Modi taunts Congress, says it is above criticism

In Rajya Sabha, PM Modi taunts Congress, says it is above criticism

Rediff.com9 Mar 2016

Narendra Modi was both conciliatory and mocking towards the Opposition, particularly Congress, during his hour long reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address in the Upper House.

Modi, Shah call on President Murmu, reasons unknown

Modi, Shah call on President Murmu, reasons unknown

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called on President Droupadi Murmu separately within hours at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Land bill clears Lok Sabha test amid protests

Land bill clears Lok Sabha test amid protests

Rediff.com10 Mar 2015

The contentious Land bill passed the Lok Sabha test after the government carried out nine amendments.

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

What Led Dhankhar To QUIT

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The BJP had no option but to get Jagdeep Dhankhar out of its way for the sake of the Modi government's stability, reveals Sheela Bhatt, the legendary political journalist.

Day 1 in Lok Sabha: Govt scraps Question Hour; Oppn slams move

Day 1 in Lok Sabha: Govt scraps Question Hour; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

Criticising the move, the opposition led by the Congress said that Question Hour is the 'golden hour of the House'. Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said the argument and rationale that has been put forth by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi is far from convincing.

Nobody should have to prove their patriotism, says PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

Nobody should have to prove their patriotism, says PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com1 Dec 2015

Modi said no questions can be raised over patriotism of any of the 125 crore Indians and nobody needs to produce a "certificate of patriotism".

Lalu's daughter quits politics, 'disowns' family after RJD's Bihar rout

Lalu's daughter quits politics, 'disowns' family after RJD's Bihar rout

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

It was speculated that Rohini was "unhappy" over the expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav from the party. However, during the assembly elections, she was seen campaigning for Tejashwi.

GST Bill passed in Lok Sabha; now faces RS test

GST Bill passed in Lok Sabha; now faces RS test

Rediff.com6 May 2015

Jaitley promised the states that they would be fully compensated for any loss of revenue arising from implementation of GST.

No-confidence motion not taken up as protests wash out Lok Sabha

No-confidence motion not taken up as protests wash out Lok Sabha

Rediff.com19 Mar 2018

As soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, members from these parties trooped into the Well holding placards.

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'When Harivansh sits in the chair, you feel your voice will be heard.'

Budget session begins on Jan 31 with Prez address

Budget session begins on Jan 31 with Prez address

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The President will address both the Houses of Parliament assembled together in the Lok Sabha chamber on Friday and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the General Budget on Saturday.

C P Radhakrishnan sworn-in as Vice President, Dhankhar attends ceremony

C P Radhakrishnan sworn-in as Vice President, Dhankhar attends ceremony

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Mary Kom Divorce Drama Turns Ugly

Mary Kom Divorce Drama Turns Ugly

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Mary Kom, and fellow Manipuri Onler were married for over two decades, and their divorce in 2023 shocked close family members and acquaintances.

JD-U nominates 3 new faces for Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar

JD-U nominates 3 new faces for Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United on Friday dropped its three sitting members of Parliament and nominated new faces for the Rajya Sabha polls to be held on February 7.

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.

Dhankhar's Resignation Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Dhankhar's Resignation Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as Vice President has led to speculation about underlying political tensions and disagreements with the ruling alliance.

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A political slugfest broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress on Monday after the latter accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by calling him 'Bankim da', prompting a counter-attack from the saffron party, which accused West Bengal's ruling party of defiling the state's cultural legacy for a decade.

Government, Opposition spar over triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha

Government, Opposition spar over triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Jan 2018

Amid noisy scenes, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 for discussion and passage, but pandemonium broke out in the Upper House with the opposition creating an uproar and the BJP countering it vociferously.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

Amid anti-Modi sloganeering Speaker refuses to adjourn Lok Sabha

Amid anti-Modi sloganeering Speaker refuses to adjourn Lok Sabha

Rediff.com31 Jul 2015

Speaker refuses to adjourn Lok Sabha despite the ruckus, in the Rajya Sabha it was the same old story.

Cong wants Sonia or Rahul, not Kamal Nath, to lead in Lok Sabha

Cong wants Sonia or Rahul, not Kamal Nath, to lead in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com20 May 2014

Congress leaders told Rediff.com that if Sonia or Rahul Gandhi do not take up the leader of opposition's post in Lok Sabha, it would lead to factionalism and internal dissension, something that the party can ill-afford at this juncture. "Kamal Nath is undoubtedly a senior MP but his candidature is bound to be opposed by the MPs from southern states as they have won more seats," remarked a senior Congress functionary, adding that senior ministers like Veerappa Moily and Mallikarjun Kharge can be expected to push their candidature for this post. Anita Katyal reports.

Rahul Gandhi's 'blood on PM hands' remark expunged

Rahul Gandhi's 'blood on PM hands' remark expunged

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Parts of Rahul Gandhi's speech during the Operation Sindoor discussion in the Lok Sabha were expunged from the record after he criticised the government for trying to protect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image.

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been allocated the portfolios of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs and Minorities Development and Aukaf.

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

However, a majority in the Council of States will continue to elude the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Lok Sabha needs this Sansad Ratna

Lok Sabha needs this Sansad Ratna

Rediff.com23 Apr 2019

Will voters in Ernakulam take to the Communist MP who asked 447 more questions and took part in 162 more debates than your average MP? Will Arun Jaitley's wish come true? Krishna Prasad, the renowned journalist and Outlook magazine's former editor-in-chief, reports from Kochi.

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.

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Kalyan Banerjee quits as TMC chief whip in LS amid coordination issues

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee resigned as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, citing unfair blame for lack of coordination among MPs and internal party conflicts.

GST bill passed in Rajya Sabha; truly historic, says PM

GST bill passed in Rajya Sabha; truly historic, says PM

Rediff.com3 Aug 2016

The GST will replace more than a dozen levies central and state levies, including central excise duty, service tax and central sales tax as well as VAT on sale of goods and entry tax, to make movement of goods seamless across 1.3 billion market.

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The vice president of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising the elected members and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

'Why Did PM Or Other Ministers Not Go To Dhankhar's House?

'Why Did PM Or Other Ministers Not Go To Dhankhar's House?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

'It is a crisis of BJP's own doing. This is an in-house fire.'