News for 'Lower Houses of legislatures'

Russia's lower house ratifies US nuclear pact

Russia's lower house ratifies US nuclear pact

Rediff.com26 Jan 2011

The State Duma, the Lower House of the Russian legislature, approved the New Start treaty by 350 votes with 96 deputies voting against and one abstaining.

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In the fourth such instance, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly without reading his customary address after alleging that the national anthem was insulted, evoking a sharp response from Chief Minister M K Stalin, who dubbed his action as an 'insult' to the House and the people of the state.

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

The Opposition in Maharashtra boycotted the government's customary tea party on the eve of the Winter session, citing its failure to appoint leaders of the opposition (LoPs) in both houses of the state legislature.

Maha minister faces flak for playing rummy during assembly session

Maha minister faces flak for playing rummy during assembly session

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate is under fire after a video surfaced allegedly showing him playing rummy on his phone during a legislative session. The opposition accuses the government of being insensitive to farmers' issues.

Ambedkar envisioned a living Constitution, not a static one: CJI Gavai

Ambedkar envisioned a living Constitution, not a static one: CJI Gavai

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai spoke about Dr. B R Ambedkar's views on the supremacy of the Constitution and the need for an independent judiciary.

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The ruling Mahayuti members in both houses of the Maharashtra legislature condemned state Congress head Harshvardhan Sapkal's remarks comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and demanded strict action against him. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the remarks will be verified and action will be taken accordingly as per the law. The state legislative council witnessed an uproar after the ruling Mahayuti members raised the issue of Sapkal's remarks, and the proceedings were suspended for 10 minutes. BJP group leader Pravin Darekar said comparing the chief minister to Aurangzeb is a highly condemnable act and an insult to Maharashtra. He also demanded that a case be filed against Sapkal and strict action be taken to set an example.

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.

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

By getting Jagdeep Dhankhar to resign at short notice, Narendra Modi has sent a message to his own ideological clan that he brooks no one trying to get too big for their boots, observes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Kanhaiya Kumar, Pappu Yadav stopped from boarding Rahul Gandhi's van

Kanhaiya Kumar, Pappu Yadav stopped from boarding Rahul Gandhi's van

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The incident occurred when both leaders attempted to board the van carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, but were stopped by security guards.

Mira Nair's son Zohran wins Democratic primary for NYC mayor

Mira Nair's son Zohran wins Democratic primary for NYC mayor

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Indian-origin lawmaker Zohran Kwame Mamdani stunned in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor, upsetting former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Maha govt sends draft Shakti bill to joint legislature panel

Maha govt sends draft Shakti bill to joint legislature panel

Rediff.com15 Dec 2020

The bill, named 'Shakti' and modelled on the Disha Act in Andhra Pradesh, also provides for completion of investigation and filing of chargesheet within 15 days, and completion of trial in 30 days.

Lok Sabha to get LoP after 10 yrs, Opposition to push for dy speaker

Lok Sabha to get LoP after 10 yrs, Opposition to push for dy speaker

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The 17th Lok Sabha, which was dissolved on June 5, did not have a deputy speaker for its full term, and it was the second consecutive term of the lower house without an LoP.

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

LS revokes Afzal Ansari's disqualification, but can't attend House

LS revokes Afzal Ansari's disqualification, but can't attend House

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

The Lok Sabha Secretariat on Thursday revoked the disqualification of Bahujan Samaj Party leader Afzal Ansari as a member of the Lower House after the Supreme Court conditionally suspended his conviction in a Gangsters Act case.

Karnataka house okays temple bill in joint sitting after council snub

Karnataka house okays temple bill in joint sitting after council snub

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

The bill was defeated by a voice vote on February 23 in the upper house, where the Opposition has a majority, after it was passed by the assembly on February 21.

Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar take oath again as MVA protests

Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar take oath again as MVA protests

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Two days after being sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as an MLA along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi boycotted the ceremony alleging EVM misuse.

Shinde seeks chief whip's post in Maha upper house held by Uddhav man

Shinde seeks chief whip's post in Maha upper house held by Uddhav man

Rediff.com28 Feb 2023

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has written a letter to the state legislative council's deputy chairperson seeking that Viplove Bajoria be made the Shiv Sena's chief whip in the Upper House, a move apparently aimed at further cornering the faction led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Maha parties bolt stable door to prevent horse-trading ahead of MLC polls

Maha parties bolt stable door to prevent horse-trading ahead of MLC polls

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

To keep their MLAs together, political parties are organising dinner meetings and arranging hotel stays for them ahead of the council elections, which are taking place just three months ahead of the assembly polls in the state.

What If China, America Make Up?

What If China, America Make Up?

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Trump spoke approvingly of his recent telephone conversation with Xi Jinping. This could indicate the possibility of America and China reaching some level of tactical accommodation, which would not be good news for India, points out Ambassador Shyam Saran, a former foreign secretary.

SIT to probe Jarange's remarks against Fadnavis

SIT to probe Jarange's remarks against Fadnavis

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

The assembly also witnessed a brief adjournment after the ruling alliance members pointed to remarks of Jarange and alleged there was a conspiracy to create unrest in the state.

No room for Nawab Malik in govt, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar

No room for Nawab Malik in govt, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

In his letter to Ajit Pawar, who too is a deputy CM, Fadnavis said Malik has the right to attend the assembly as an MLA and added that "we (the BJP) do not harbour any personal animosity or grudge" against him.

How Will History Remember Chandrachud?

How Will History Remember Chandrachud?

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

He could have blazed a trail that few Indian judges had. It was a missed opportunity of a lifetime, notes Ramesh Menon.

Shiv Sena to house MLAs in Mumbai luxury hotel ahead of council polls

Shiv Sena to house MLAs in Mumbai luxury hotel ahead of council polls

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

The Shiv Sena has decided to move its MLAs to a luxury hotel at Powai in northeast Mumbai ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls, a party leader said on Friday, as the ruling coalition spearhead treads a cautious path after being outsmarted by the BJP in the last week's Rajya Sabha polls.

Ajit Pawar effect: Over 200 MLAs support Maha govt

Ajit Pawar effect: Over 200 MLAs support Maha govt

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

The last time when more than 200 MLAs were part of the state government was in 1972, but at that time all the 222 legislators belonged to Congress. Also, the strength of the House was 270 at that time, a former state legislature official said on Monday citing data.

Nayab Singh Saini's Haryana Challenges

Nayab Singh Saini's Haryana Challenges

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Haryana has done well in terms of economic growth over the last couple of decades. For it to continue to lead the growth ladder, the new government has to work hard on multiple dimensions, recommend Shishir Gupta and Rishita Sachdeva.

Now, its Sena vs NCP for LoP post in Maha Legislative Council

Now, its Sena vs NCP for LoP post in Maha Legislative Council

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

The Sharad Pawar-led NCP is just two short of the Sena's tally in the Upper House of the state legislature.

Shinde faction also challenges Speaker's decision, moves HC

Shinde faction also challenges Speaker's decision, moves HC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has moved the Bombay high court challenging the legality of the decision taken by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker to not disqualify 14 MLAs belonging to the rival faction headed by former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Will study 'love jihad' laws of other states and decide: Fadnavis

Will study 'love jihad' laws of other states and decide: Fadnavis

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Talking to reporters in the Maharashtra legislature complex in Nagpur on Tuesday, Fadnavis said there was a 'feeling' in the House regarding the Shraddha Walkar case that instances of 'love jihad' were seen at a large scale in the state.

Shinde's Shiv Sena issues whip to all MLAs to attend Budget session

Shinde's Shiv Sena issues whip to all MLAs to attend Budget session

Rediff.com27 Feb 2023

The Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a whip to "all" its legislators to remain present full-time during the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature which began on Monday, in an apparent move to corner the faction headed by former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Plea filed in SC against restoration of Rahul Gandhi's LS membership

Plea filed in SC against restoration of Rahul Gandhi's LS membership

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

The petition, which was filed in the apex court on Tuesday by Lucknow-based advocate Ashok Pandey, said it is challenging the August 7 notification issued by the Lok Sabha restoring Gandhi's membership.

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

A substantial number of castes and groups are already placed in the reserved category, getting about 52 per cent of reservations altogether. It would be completely inequitable to place the Maratha community in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category, it said.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Met 16 Days Annually In Current Term

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Met 16 Days Annually In Current Term

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

In 2022, Rajasthan met for 30 days, Chhattisgarh 18 days, MP and Mizoram for 15 each, and Telangana for 10 days.

Sidda says Rs 60,000 cr needed a year to implement 5 poll guarantees

Sidda says Rs 60,000 cr needed a year to implement 5 poll guarantees

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

He said, the fresh budget of the new Congress government, which he will be presenting on July 7, is likely to be of the size Rs 3,35,000 crore.

Women's quota may not be possible even in 2029: TMC's Mahua Moitra

Women's quota may not be possible even in 2029: TMC's Mahua Moitra

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

Participating in a debate on the bill in Lok Sabha, Moitra said women's reservation is dependent on two totally "indeterminate dates" and asked, "can there be a greater jumla".

Murder of democracy, govt wants to bulldoze key bills: Oppn on MPs' suspension

Murder of democracy, govt wants to bulldoze key bills: Oppn on MPs' suspension

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

Soon after the suspension of 33 opposition Lok Sabha MPs, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said all democratic norms have been thrown into the dustbin by this "autocratic" government and it has shown zero accountability towards Parliament.

UCC Can Wait, Personal Law Reforms Can't

UCC Can Wait, Personal Law Reforms Can't

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Crucial reforms in Muslim personal law, especially laws related to inheritance and adoption, need to be initiated forthwith; historically speaking, without the State's backing, hardly has any reform taken place or allowed to prevail, asserts Mohammad Sajjad.

TN governor refuses to read out address, speaker expunges his remarks

TN governor refuses to read out address, speaker expunges his remarks

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

In yet another instance of his confrontation with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dispensation in Tamil Nadu, Governor R N Ravi on Monday concluded his customary address to the House within a few minutes, making certain remarks over the content of the address that were 'expunged'.

Women's quota will come true after 2029, Amit Shah hints in LS

Women's quota will come true after 2029, Amit Shah hints in LS

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed to the opposition for the unanimous passage of the women's reservation bill and said shortcomings, if any, can be rectified at a later date.

Naidu: Sacrilege of House is democratic but action is not?

Naidu: Sacrilege of House is democratic but action is not?

Rediff.com2 Dec 2021

The Rajya Sabha chairman said this was not the first time that such a suspension has happened. Starting in 1962 till 2010, members were suspended on 11 occasions in furtherance to motions moved by the governments of the day.

Maha govt tables joint panel report on Shakti Bill

Maha govt tables joint panel report on Shakti Bill

Rediff.com22 Dec 2021

The draft bill provides for capital punishment for crimes against women and children, specifies deadline of 30 days to complete the probe since the day the complaint in such cases is lodged and puts the onus on social media platforms as well as internet provider companies to share the data for police investigation.