News for 'Members of Legislative Assembly'

Vande Mataram stops after 2 stanzas in Karnataka assembly; BJP members protest

Vande Mataram stops after 2 stanzas in Karnataka assembly; BJP members protest

Rediff.com7 hours ago

BJP legislators in Karnataka protested during a special legislative session by reciting the full version of Vande Mataram after the official recording played in the Assembly and Council ended after only two stanzas. The Congress government in the state has a standing order to play only the first two stanzas at its programmes, except for high-profile events.

CM Vijay breaks TN assembly tradition, moves to ministers' row

CM Vijay breaks TN assembly tradition, moves to ministers' row

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay departed from a long-standing Assembly tradition by sitting with ministers in the front row instead of his designated chair. This move, considered unprecedented for a chief minister, occurred during a session where the presence of department secretaries was also debated.

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Newly elected West Bengal legislators, including Chief Minister Sivendu Adhikari, were sworn into the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath to the new members.

DMK MLAs evicted from TN assembly after ruckus over Vijay's remarks

DMK MLAs evicted from TN assembly after ruckus over Vijay's remarks

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu assembly descended into chaos, leading to the eviction of DMK MLAs, as they vehemently protested Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's statements.

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Vijay's 'gift' leaves MLA singing his praises in assembly

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.

BSP's lone UP legislator Umashankar Singh dies at 55

BSP's lone UP legislator Umashankar Singh dies at 55

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Umashankar Singh, the Bahujan Samaj Party's sole MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly from the Rasra constituency, has passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BSP president Mayawati, and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, have expressed their condolences.

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

2 MLAs defy Vaiko's order to resign, to function as DMK legislators

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Two MDMK MLAs, T M Rajendran and R Senthil Selvan, have refused to resign from their Assembly seats despite demands from MDMK General Secretary Vaiko. They assert their status as DMK legislators, having won on the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol, and have pledged loyalty to DMK leadership, including M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant a permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010. This move aims to protect the job security and benefits of over 3.28 lakh experienced educators who face the risk of losing their positions due to the mandatory TET requirement.

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

Rediff.com6 days ago

Police have registered cases against senior DMK leaders A Raja, P K Sekar Babu, and Vasantham Karthikeyan for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar during recent party protests. The controversy stems from CM Vijay's comments questioning DMK chief M K Stalin's MISA detention during the Emergency, which the DMK claims is a long-standing narrative.

TVK's Prabhakar unanimously elected Tamil Nadu assembly speaker

TVK's Prabhakar unanimously elected Tamil Nadu assembly speaker

Rediff.com12 May 2026

JCD Prabhakar of the TVK party has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay emphasised the Assembly's role in transforming public expectations into effective policies and laws.

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

Anant Nag Credits Karnataka For Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Anant Nag Credits Karnataka For Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Rediff.com4 days ago

Anant Nag has dedicated the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 to the people and unique cultural environment of Karnataka, crediting the state for his unparalleled success in both art and commercial films.

Brother Vijay, what you said is true: Stalin reacts to CM's 'jaw gesture'

Brother Vijay, what you said is true: Stalin reacts to CM's 'jaw gesture'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

DMK president M K Stalin has responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's remarks regarding MISA, recalling his severe physical abuse in prison during the Emergency. Stalin dismissed Vijay's corruption allegations as 'politically motivated lies' and clarified his arrest and harsh conditions under MISA in 1976, including the death of a colleague.

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Rediff.com9 hours ago

BJP National President Nitin Nabin was welcomed by a fleet of brightly painted bulldozers at a Meerut toll plaza, marking the start of his significant two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh focused on Assembly election preparations, organisational meetings, and temple visits.

No tolerance for abusive remarks against women, CM Vijay warns Oppn

No tolerance for abusive remarks against women, CM Vijay warns Oppn

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued a stern warning against personal attacks, double-meaning insults, and derogatory language targeting women, particularly in political discourse. Speaking in the Assembly, he recalled past humiliations faced by late CM J Jayalalithaa and condemned recent incidents involving women personalities, stressing that such behaviour would face immediate legal consequences. He also outlined his administration's vision for public security and zero-tolerance against crime.

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has questioned the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction, asking if the possibility of denying the symbol to both factions was adequately considered. The court also raised concerns about using legislative majority as a test while disqualification proceedings against MLAs were pending. The Shinde faction argued for the validity of the legislative majority test, citing significant vote share and legal precedents.

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

TN House demands 543-seat LS formula, 33% women quota from 2029

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging the Union government to permanently fix the Lok Sabha strength at 543 and implement 33 per cent women's reservation by 2029. The resolution also opposes delimitation that could disadvantage states successful in population control.

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Goa govt drops plan to table anti-conversion bill

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Goa government has decided not to introduce its anti-religious conversion bill during the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, following significant pushback from legislators representing the minority community.

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The West Bengal State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi, marking the end of its term after the recent elections where the Trinamool Congress was defeated by the BJP.

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.

Vijay to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM on May 7

Vijay to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM on May 7

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay is scheduled to take the oath of office as the state's new Chief Minister on May 7. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor stadium in Chennai.

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Contest Nandigram by-poll, we won't field candidate: TMC rebels to Mamata

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The battle for the Trinamool Congress' name and election symbol is spilling into the Nandigram bypoll, with the rebel faction asking party supremo Mamata Banerjee to contest from there, promising not to field a candidate against her.

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Amid calls from sections of the Muslim community that cow should be declared a national animal, a look at the Constituent Assembly debates shows that two Muslim members had sought an unambiguous spelling out of the state's stance on cow slaughter, with one of them even calling for prohibiting it as part of fundamental rights.

Badrinath Temple Donations Under Scanner: Employee Booked

Badrinath Temple Donations Under Scanner: Employee Booked

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A suspended employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has been booked for alleged irregularities in handling donations at the Badrinath temple. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the act, calling it a "sin akin to cow slaughter," while a high-level government inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The Congress party has also demanded a judicial probe.

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Punjab farmers begin week-long protest against Indo-US trade deal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have initiated a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula, debt waivers, and opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bill. They also raised concerns about water depletion and sought resolutions based on riparian principles.

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat sparked a political storm with his controversial comments regarding a fatal tree fall incident in Mumbai, which killed an 11-year-old boy and injured four others, initially suggesting such incidents are 'not in human hands' before clarifying his stance.

Goa cabinet okays anti-conversion bill with life imprisonment

Goa cabinet okays anti-conversion bill with life imprisonment

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Goa cabinet has approved the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, which proposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment, for religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or marriage. The bill will be tabled in the state assembly's monsoon session.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, evident as rival factions occupied separate sections of the opposition benches during the West Bengal assembly's budget session. This public display of disunity follows the party's defeat in the 2026 assembly elections and ongoing legal challenges over leadership.

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has accused the opposition DMK of organised corruption and illegal collection of "party funds" during its previous regime, citing Enforcement Directorate documents. The allegations, which named former CM M K Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries, led to a major ruckus in the Assembly.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

'Pakistan Is Facing The Wrath Of Its Own Creation In PoK'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'

Karnataka Congress MLA Disqualified Following Murder Conviction

Karnataka Congress MLA Disqualified Following Murder Conviction

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has officially disqualified Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni after his conviction in the murder case of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. Kulkarni is currently serving a life sentence.

Is Rohit Pawar dumping Sharad Pawar to join Congress?

Is Rohit Pawar dumping Sharad Pawar to join Congress?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

BJP MLC Parinay Fuke claimed NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar was considering joining the Congress, citing deteriorating relations with Supriya Sule. In response, Pawar accused Fuke of shielding alleged corruption, particularly concerning illegal sand businesses, paddy procurement issues, and irregularities in an employment guarantee scheme, challenging him to address farmers' concerns instead of making baseless claims.

Congress wiped out as BJP poised for unopposed RS win in Gujarat

Congress wiped out as BJP poised for unopposed RS win in Gujarat

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

All four BJP candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat, with their victory appearing certain as the Congress is not contesting. This outcome means the Congress will lose its sole representative from Gujarat in the Upper House, Shaktisinh Gohil, whose term is ending. The BJP's strong majority in the state assembly ensures an unopposed win for its candidates.

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.

Karnataka Cong MLA disqualified after conviction in murder case

Karnataka Cong MLA disqualified after conviction in murder case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has officially disqualified Congress MLA Vinay Kulakarni after his conviction in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. Kulkarni, currently serving a life sentence, is disqualified from the Assembly from the date of his conviction, April 15, 2026.