News for 'Members of Legislative Assembly'

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling TVK and its post-poll allies have officially named their front the "Secular Social Justice Victory" alliance, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay elected as its leader. The alliance, which includes Congress, VCK, and IUML, is preparing for upcoming bypolls on October 6, which will serve as an initial test of its strength. Leaders emphasised the alliance's ideological foundation rooted in secularism and social justice, aiming to protect constitutional values and oppose communal forces.

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a major controversy by alleging that staff at Rewa's Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital mortuary sexually abused the corpses of "beautiful" women and extorted money for post-mortems. The hospital administration has vehemently denied these claims as baseless, while the MLA insists an investigation will reveal the truth, citing a past incident where employees were sacked for irregularities.

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.com17 Sep 2026

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.

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing the lower house's strength to 850 is slated for introduction in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution and utilise 2011 Census data for redrawing constituencies.

RSS critic Kharge says no rioting cases against outfit, sparks row

RSS critic Kharge says no rioting cases against outfit, sparks row

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated in the Legislative Council that no cases of communal riots or other crimes have been registered against the RSS. This statement, made in response to an opposition query, has sparked a political controversy, with the BJP criticising Kharge, a vocal RSS critic, for his alleged "political vendetta." Kharge, in turn, clarified that the RSS is not a registered legal entity, and therefore, cases are registered against individuals, not the organisation itself, calling for its registration for transparency.

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, hearing pleas on the Shiv Sena split, observed that a political party retains control over its legislature wing and its valid decisions must prevail, but also advocated for granting 'elbow room' to elected representatives for political decisions if a majority 'genuinely disagree' with party directions.

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

An employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the management of donations at Badrinath Dham. Both the BKTC and the Uttarakhand government have launched separate investigations into the matter, which gained attention after social media allegations and a formal complaint. The government committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Police are investigating the mysterious death of Asish Banerjee, former deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent TMC leader, who was found hanging in a party office with a purported suicide note expressing regret over entering politics and denying corruption.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The AIADMK factions have reconciled after a period of division, with leaders claiming it was merely a 'difference of opinion' rather than a split. Rebel MLAs expressed their support for party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, and both sides withdrew petitions seeking disqualification of legislators.

TN Guv stops Rahul Gandhi mention during minister's oath taking

TN Guv stops Rahul Gandhi mention during minister's oath taking

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar intervened during the swearing-in ceremony of a new minister, S Rajesh Kumar, after he deviated from the written oath by hailing party leaders. The incident occurred during the expansion of the TVK Cabinet.

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that his government has no information regarding alleged post-poll violence, as claimed by the opposition TMC. He assured that action would be taken after verifying any such charges. The statement came in response to allegations raised in the West Bengal assembly by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

AIADMK loses sixth MLA as ex-minister Vijayabaskar quits, to join TVK

AIADMK loses sixth MLA as ex-minister Vijayabaskar quits, to join TVK

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Former minister M R Vijayabaskar has resigned from the AIADMK, becoming the sixth legislator to do so, reportedly over disagreements regarding potential alliance talks with the DMK. He is expected to join the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Before assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay submitted his resignation letter from the post of member of the legislative assembly representing the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.

Maha schools must teach Marathi or lose recognition: Minister

Maha schools must teach Marathi or lose recognition: Minister

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse on Monday said teaching of Marathi language and conduct of examination of the subject have been legally made mandatory in schools of all mediums across the state, and those institutions that fail to comply could face cancellation of recognition.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Vande Mataram bill is first to be passed by both houses in this session

Vande Mataram bill is first to be passed by both houses in this session

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Parliament has passed The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making any insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine.

How RSS Helped BJP Wrest Bengal

How RSS Helped BJP Wrest Bengal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducted extensive voter awareness campaigns and small group meetings across West Bengal, encouraging people to vote without fear, while also providing valuable feedback to the BJP on public sentiment and rival strategies.

Stormy monsoon session ends; several bills passed without debate

Stormy monsoon session ends; several bills passed without debate

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha's monsoon session concluded on Thursday, marked by relentless opposition protests over critical issues like the NEET paper leak and police action on students, yet saw the passage of several key bills without extensive debate. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed readiness to debate the student protest issue, urging the speaker to allocate time.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Journalist questioned, phone seized in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA bribery case

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A journalist from a Tamil news channel was questioned by Chennai police and his mobile phone seized in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a ruling TVK MLA. The MLA claimed he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against his party in a no-confidence motion, part of a larger "Meghalaya Project" to destabilise the government. The Chennai Press Club has condemned the police action, citing concerns over press freedom.

Kerala HC Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Kerala HC Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed former state Transport Minister Antony Raju's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in an evidence tampering case, preventing him from contesting in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Youth Protest: 'I Told My Parents I Will Fight For My Rights'

Youth Protest: 'I Told My Parents I Will Fight For My Rights'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'Whatever is happening is wrong. Why is the government sleeping? This is wrong.'

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'If a floor test happens, one group of MLAs may abstain to allow the confidence vote to pass. So theoretically, he can run a minority government as long as the others won't join each other to vote him out.'

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The AINRC-led NDA has won the Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to form the government. Chief Minister N Rangasamy won both seats he contested.

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Kerala government has filed a statement in the High Court opposing former minister Antony Raju's plea to suspend his conviction in an evidence-tampering case, arguing it would undermine the electoral process.

Bomb Threat Disrupts Maharashtra Budget Session: What We Know

Bomb Threat Disrupts Maharashtra Budget Session: What We Know

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to a security search and evacuation. Authorities deemed the threat a hoax after finding nothing suspicious.

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.

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned as the party's West Bengal president and from all other posts, citing a loss of trust after an admonishment from Mamata Banerjee. She has since been seen meeting with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction, further deepening the organisational crisis within the TMC following its recent Assembly election defeat.

Gujarat Assembly Bomb Threat Email Deemed a Hoax After Search

Gujarat Assembly Bomb Threat Email Deemed a Hoax After Search

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Gujarat assembly complex received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to an evacuation and police investigation. The threat was later declared a hoax.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.