News for 'Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha'

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

Rediff.com23 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will introduce a new recruitment policy in the next Budget session to address irregularities and scams that occurred during the previous Trinamool Congress government.

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

A Trinamool Congress delegation on Friday alleged before the Election Commission top brass that around 40 SIR-related deaths had occurred in West Bengal so far, a charge junked by the poll authority.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

As the Shiv Sena marks 60 years, political experts highlight the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's existential crisis and the Eknath Shinde-led group's struggle for relevance in the face of a dominant BJP, a significant shift from the party's historical 'elder brother' status in Maharashtra.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

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.

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The Bill, passed by Parliament after heated debates, has been criticized by opposition parties as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, maintains that the reform will benefit the Muslim community. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill, alleging discrimination against Muslims and undermining their religious autonomy. The Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and introduces restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, which have raised concerns about the impact on the Muslim community.

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.

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

Why TMC Leader Santanu Sen Resigned As Party Spokesperson

Why TMC Leader Santanu Sen Resigned As Party Spokesperson

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former Rajya Sabha MP and TMC leader Santanu Sen resigned as the party's national spokesperson, citing the R G Kar rape and murder case controversy and the recent election defeat as reasons for his decision. His resignation highlights the internal dissent and organisational challenges facing the TMC.

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned, dissolving his cabinet and paving the way for a potential BJP-led government in the state. The BJP, the largest party in the assembly, is set to elect its legislature party leader.

Parliament set to witness stormy debate from Monday

Parliament set to witness stormy debate from Monday

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Parliament is set to witness heated debates on a range of issues like the NEET paper leak row, the Agnipath initiative and inflation when both houses reconvene on Monday.

After losing Baramati, Ajit Pawar's wife named for RS polls

After losing Baramati, Ajit Pawar's wife named for RS polls

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar on Thursday filed papers as an NCP candidate for Rajya Sabha elections.

Nadda Slams TMC, Alleges Appeasement Politics In West Bengal

Nadda Slams TMC, Alleges Appeasement Politics In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda launched a scathing attack on the TMC in West Bengal, accusing it of appeasement politics, shielding infiltrators, and presiding over a corrupt and lawless regime.

No end to logjam: Opposition disrupts Lok Sabha for 3rd week

No end to logjam: Opposition disrupts Lok Sabha for 3rd week

Rediff.com3 Aug 2015

Vociferous protests by Opposition members led by the Congress continued in the Lok Sabha.

How will NDA reach magic number for simultaneous polls in Parl?

How will NDA reach magic number for simultaneous polls in Parl?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The government may have to move 18 amendments to the Constitution to implement the concept of simultaneous elections as recommended by a high-level committee chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind.

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Barely two months before the Lok Sabha election, Gandhi will be filing her nomination papers in Jaipur on Wednesday. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are likely to accompany her.

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

An irate woman confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP demonstration in Mumbai, blaming him for the traffic chaos caused by the protest over the women's reservation bill. The incident, captured on video, has sparked criticism of the BJP's protest tactics.

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

Watch all the action from both Houses of Parliament.

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Rediff.com26 May 2025

A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is visiting key American nations to rally global support for India's counter-terror stance under Operation Sindoor, spotlighting regional stability and Pakistan-backed cross-border threats.

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.

Here is how 17th LS passed half of bills amid record MP suspensions

Here is how 17th LS passed half of bills amid record MP suspensions

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

According to an analysis by PRS Legislative Research, 172 bills were discussed and passed during the term of 17th Lok Sabha, of which 86 bills in the Lok Sabha and 103 bills in the Rajya Sabha were discussed for less than two hours each.

Demonetisation: Opposition deposits ire in Rajya Sabha

Demonetisation: Opposition deposits ire in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com16 Nov 2016

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged that selective leak of information on demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes to 'friends of BJP' and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs 1 crore since April.

'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.'

No need for outsiders to destroy family legacy: Lalu's daughter

No need for outsiders to destroy family legacy: Lalu's daughter

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya criticised her family members for allegedly destroying a legacy, hinting at internal conflicts within the party.

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.

Contest One Direct Poll: Modi Tells RS MPs

Contest One Direct Poll: Modi Tells RS MPs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

The BJP could ask at least a dozen of its 92 Rajya Sabha MPs, particularly those who have served more than one term, to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP calls Rahul 'Leader of Paryatan'; Priyanka cites PM's example

BJP calls Rahul 'Leader of Paryatan'; Priyanka cites PM's example

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended Rahul Gandhi's upcoming visit to Germany, questioning the BJP's criticism when Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently travels abroad.

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.

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has revised its transgender reservation judgment, reaffirming the constitutional right to self-identify gender while addressing concerns about the 2026 Amendment Act's impact on transgender rights.

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.

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's remarks about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill being "bulldozed through" the Lower House. Birla said a senior member casting aspersions on the House proceedings was "most unfortunate" and against the dignity of parliamentary democracy. He pointed out that the bill was debated for 13 hours and 53 minutes with several members participating and was passed after multiple divisions.

Sidda, Shivakumar leave for Delhi amid Karnataka leadership change

Sidda, Shivakumar leave for Delhi amid Karnataka leadership change

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned, paving the way for a potential leadership change within the Congress party in the state. He and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar are in Delhi to discuss the formation of the new ministry with the Congress high command.

MPs can't say 'corrupt', 'lie', 'drama' etc in Parliament anymore

MPs can't say 'corrupt', 'lie', 'drama' etc in Parliament anymore

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

The booklet listing out unparliamentary words and expressions comes ahead of the Monsoon session beginning July 18, during which the use of words like 'anarchist', 'Shakuni', 'dictatorial', 'taanashah', 'taanashahi', 'Jaichand', 'vinash purush', 'Khalistani' and 'khoon se kheti' would also be expunged if used during debates or otherwise in both the houses.

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has issued an unconditional apology for claiming that former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was linked to the CIA during the 1960s. The apology comes after widespread criticism from within and outside the BJP.

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Several leaders of the BJP and its allies are of the view that the NDA this time is unlikely to follow the instincts that made it pick Dhankhar and will be more conventional in its search for his successor.

Ghazipur Victim's Father Rejects Political Opportunism

Ghazipur Victim's Father Rejects Political Opportunism

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The father of a teenage girl found dead in the Ganga river in Katariya village has stated he does not want any politician to visit his home for political gain, amid allegations from opposition leaders that he is under duress.

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.