News for 'Lok Sabha'

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged brutalities against students during protests. He also demanded the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of culpability or incompetence regarding the police action, including the use of pellet guns. The BJP has refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless.

Is INDIA bloc considering rotational Lok Sabha LoP post?

Is INDIA bloc considering rotational Lok Sabha LoP post?

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said there are many leaders in the Opposition parties who are "capable" of handling the work of the Leader of Opposition but it is up to them to take a decision as it is their "internal matter".

Lok Sabha elections 2024: A sentiment analyser

Lok Sabha elections 2024: A sentiment analyser

Rediff.com17 May 2024

The Sentiment Analyser features a user-friendly interface with sliders for each political party, ranging from -7 to +7, to represent negative to positive shifts in public sentiment.

LS deadlock ends, parties agree to discuss anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday

LS deadlock ends, parties agree to discuss anti-paper leak bill on Tuesday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Lok Sabha stalemate is expected to conclude as Speaker Om Birla has secured an agreement from all political parties to discuss the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026. This bill proposes stricter punishments, including up to 10 years in jail and a Rs 50 lakh fine, for paper leak offences, following recent nationwide student protests over the NEET fiasco.

Ideology, justice and jujutsu: Rahul's unusual lesson for Cong chiefs

Ideology, justice and jujutsu: Rahul's unusual lesson for Cong chiefs

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed district presidents at a training camp in Nashik, urging them to uphold party ideology and fight for justice. He also demonstrated martial arts and discussed various state issues with senior leaders, while BJP leaders protested his visit.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Sudip Bandyopadhyay-Suvendu meet fuels NCPI-NDA alliance buzz

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's closed-door meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, just before NCPI MPs were to attend an NDA meeting, has ignited speculation about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India's political future and its potential alignment with the BJP-led alliance. The NCPI comprises 20 rebel TMC MPs who broke away after the West Bengal Assembly election.

Fracture Doesn't Keep Tharoor Away From Lok Sabha

Fracture Doesn't Keep Tharoor Away From Lok Sabha

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sustained a foot fracture after he slipped on the stairs while coming out of Parliament on Wednesday.

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.

Netas Join '80s Trend. Like It?

Netas Join '80s Trend. Like It?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Netas are embracing the viral '80s social media trend, sharing AI-generated images and real throwback photos.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Dharmendra Pradhan meets LS speaker as govt agrees to paper leak debate

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Indian government has expressed willingness to hold a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding the NEET paper leak issue, while cautioning against street protests. The opposition, however, is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has staged protests, including wearing black clothes in Parliament, highlighting the widespread concern among students.

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A government bill proposing to widen the remit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Concerns have been raised that the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, could reduce the premier institute's autonomy. The bill, currently under examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, aims to incorporate ISI as a 'body corporate' to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence, but critics fear increased government control.

One nation one election panel gets extension, to submit report by December

One nation one election panel gets extension, to submit report by December

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A joint parliamentary committee tasked with examining the 'One Nation One Election' bill has been granted an extension until the end of the Winter session to submit its report. The 41-member committee is reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and is conducting nationwide consultations on implementing simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies by 2029.

Minister Jitendra Singh rebuts Rahul Gandhi's claims on Amit Shah

Minister Jitendra Singh rebuts Rahul Gandhi's claims on Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations in Lok Sabha that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered firing on students protesting the NEET fiasco. Singh clarified that no bullets were fired, only tear gas was used, and the authority to order firing rests with a magistrate, not a minister. He also dismissed Gandhi's claims about Shah's cavalcade and foreign travel, criticising the opposition leader for making unsubstantiated remarks during a heated parliamentary debate.

Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule meet Modi amid NDA switch buzz

Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule meet Modi amid NDA switch buzz

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The meeting comes amid the speculation that the Sharad Pawar led NCP may join the ruling alliance.

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com7 hours ago

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Rediff.com8 hours ago

The Congress party has strongly refuted claims by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Chairperson Bhartruhari Mahtab that opposition MPs supported levying a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Congress MP Manish Tewari termed Mahtab's remarks "erroneous and fallacious," clarifying that the committee's recommendation was to "explore" revenue models, not to implement MDR. The party accused Mahtab of misleading due to his recent switch to the BJP.

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian government is reportedly developing new proposals to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50 per cent across all states. This initiative aims to address concerns from southern states regarding potential political power reduction due to population-based delimitation, while also facilitating the operationalisation of the women's quota law before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Home Minister Amit Shah has offered to hold a comprehensive debate in Parliament on student protests and other pressing issues, but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has swiftly rejected the proposal, demanding accountability for actions against students.

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the repeated disruptions of parliamentary proceedings, stating that due to the turmoil in the House, the country has been unable to listen to the talented MPs elected in recent times.

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The UBT faction argues these defections violate anti-defection laws.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

At presser, Rahul Gandhi demands Amit Shah's sacking, SC-monitored probe

At presser, Rahul Gandhi demands Amit Shah's sacking, SC-monitored probe

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the government over alleged police excesses against students, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi also called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the "brutalities" and accused the Lok Sabha of silencing him when he tried to speak on the issue.

'Reckless' plea to debar Modi from Lok Sabha dismissed

'Reckless' plea to debar Modi from Lok Sabha dismissed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said they were in agreement with the single judge who had earlier rejected the petition.

'No question on dy PM candidate Vijay': TN Cong min firm on Rahul as PM face

'No question on dy PM candidate Vijay': TN Cong min firm on Rahul as PM face

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu minister P Viswanathan on Friday said that Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be the prime ministerial candidate in the 2029 elections, while expressing confidence in the Congress' political position in the state.

80% Indians are...: Rahul Gandhi's dig amid BRICS menu row

80% Indians are...: Rahul Gandhi's dig amid BRICS menu row

Rediff.com5 days ago

Following an all-vegetarian BRICS Summit dinner, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred discussion by stating that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian and celebrating the diversity of Indian non-vegetarian cuisine.

India Has 15 Judges Per Million People

India Has 15 Judges Per Million People

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

It highlights a profound shortage that marginal additions cannot easily resolve.

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Congress party has announced its seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakravarty, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pranav Jha, representing various states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The elections are set for June 18.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com1 days ago

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag -Rajouri constituency, his party Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) said.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

Khattar hints at being fielded in Lok Sabha polls

Khattar hints at being fielded in Lok Sabha polls

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

Hours after he resigned as Haryana chief minister along with his cabinet ministers, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manohar Lal Khattar Tuesday hinted that he may be fielded by the party in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

NGOs halve, foreign funds rise; Christian groups get 75% of Rs 1,841 cr

NGOs halve, foreign funds rise; Christian groups get 75% of Rs 1,841 cr

Rediff.com43 minutes ago

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Govt ready, Opposition running away from NEET debate: Rijiju

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Opposition of setting pre-conditions for a debate on the critical NEET paper leak issue, stating that the government is ready for a comprehensive discussion.