News for 'Parliamentary Affairs'

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The opposition on Sunday asked the Centre to allow discussions in the Parliament on the United States prosecutors' bribery charges against the Adani Group even as Union minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the matters to be taken up in the two Houses will be decided by their authorised committees with the consent of the respective Chair.

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Eighteen BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for disrupting the budget session and disrespecting the Speaker. The incident occurred on the last day of the budget session, when the opposition BJP MLAs staged a massive protest over the allocation of a four percent reservation to Muslims in public contracts. The MLAs climbed onto the podium where the Speaker's chair is situated and threw papers at him.

US Congressmen back India's right to respond to terrorism

US Congressmen back India's right to respond to terrorism

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The lawmakers also hailed the strong strategic partnership between India and the US during a meeting with an all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who briefed them on the cross-border terrorism faced by India and the country's strong and resolute stance in the fight against terror.

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A special cabinet meeting in Karnataka convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census', ended without a decision. The cabinet will reconvene on May 2 to discuss the report further and make a final decision.

SEE! Who Said What In LS Debate On Operation Sindoor

SEE! Who Said What In LS Debate On Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Here's a quick look at who spoke in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Operation Sindoor debate.

Didn't want to suspend Opposition MPs, but...: Union minister

Didn't want to suspend Opposition MPs, but...: Union minister

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the government was not keen to suspend MPs from Lok Sabha, but opposition members came with requests for suspension after action was taken against some of their colleagues.

Waqf bill sent to joint parliamentary panel after heated debate

Waqf bill sent to joint parliamentary panel after heated debate

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The bill to amend the law governing Waqf boards proposes far-reaching changes in the Wakf Act, 1995, including ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma has rejected the opposition's move to impeach Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it an attempt to disrupt House proceedings. Sharma claims there are no valid grounds to impeach Dhankhar, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The opposition parties submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the Upper House in a partisan manner. However, Sharma defended Dhankhar's conduct and asserted that he has been impartial in his role as chairman.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

Pro-tem Speaker row: Rijiju meets TMC's Sudip amid face-off with Oppn

Pro-tem Speaker row: Rijiju meets TMC's Sudip amid face-off with Oppn

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Rijiju's meeting with Bandyopadhyay came against the backdrop of the Opposition alliance's decision to pull out its members from the panel of chairpersons that will assist Mahtab in conducting the proceedings of the Lok Sabha till the election of the Speaker on Wednesday.

Oppn upset non-Congress leader is PM for 3rd term, Modi tells NDA MPs

Oppn upset non-Congress leader is PM for 3rd term, Modi tells NDA MPs

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked NDA MPs to follow parliamentary rules and conduct, and learn from senior members about the best practices, comments that came a day after the ruling alliance accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of making a "most irresponsible" speech.

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

'I Spoke Against Terrorism. Congress Expelled Me'

'I Spoke Against Terrorism. Congress Expelled Me'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'In the Congress, only those people who suck up to the leadership have value. I am not one of them.'

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will be attending the G7 Summit later this month in Canada and that he looked forward to meeting his newly elected Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

It is learnt that Ottawa is yet to send an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the summit, but Modi, in any way, would have skipped it as such a visit would have required a lot of groundwork considering the current state of ties between the two sides, said the people cited above.

Cong raises LS Dy Speaker post, NEET row at all-party meet

Cong raises LS Dy Speaker post, NEET row at all-party meet

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

A united opposition is set to corner the NDA government on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case to railway safety.

India can speak all languages that Pakistanis speak: Tharoor

India can speak all languages that Pakistanis speak: Tharoor

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Tharoor said if Pakistan were to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, "we can talk to them".

Economic offenders not to be handcuffed: Parliamentary panel

Economic offenders not to be handcuffed: Parliamentary panel

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

People taken into custody for economic offences should not be handcuffed and clubbed with those arrested for heinous crimes such as rape and murder, a parliamentary committee has recommended.

Suspension of 14 Oppn MPs revoked day before budget session

Suspension of 14 Oppn MPs revoked day before budget session

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committees had recommended that their suspension be withdrawn after they expressed regret for their conduct during the Winter session when their relentless protests prompted the Chairs to take action.

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Monday met with the leaders of several countries and highlighted India's resolve to combat terrorism, which they stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity.

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Fifty-nine members of delegations visiting 33 world capitals, reaching millions of people, giving one message, in one language, in one voice -- is an unprecedented world movement, observes former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

Ahead of Maha polls, ex-BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil joins NCP-SP

Ahead of Maha polls, ex-BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil joins NCP-SP

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

State BJP minister Chandrakant Patil last week said Harshvardhan Patil will regret his decision to join the Pawar-led party.

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The sources said Misri reiterated the government's stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some opposition members questioned US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions about his administration's role in stopping the conflict.

Won't allow tungsten mining in Madurai, Stalin writes to Modi

Won't allow tungsten mining in Madurai, Stalin writes to Modi

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has strongly opposed the central government's award of tungsten mining rights in Madurai district, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the decision. Citing concerns about a biodiversity heritage site and potential impacts on local communities, Stalin asserted that the state government will not permit mining in the area.

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Rediff.com30 May 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Friday met leaders and diplomats from several countries to galvanise international action against terrorists and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross-border terror activities against India.

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Has Jaishankar Startled Piyush Goyal?

Has Jaishankar Startled Piyush Goyal?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Glimpses of the At Home reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Independence Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

Parliamentary committees won't scrutinise Budget

Parliamentary committees won't scrutinise Budget

Rediff.com2 Jun 2009

Due to paucity of time, the UPA government will drop the traditional scrutiny of the Budget by the Parliamentary standing committees. Instead, Pranab Mukherjee is in touch with BJP and the CPM, while Pawan Kumar Bansal and Anand Sharma have been asked to liaise with the smaller parties to ensure the Budget moves smoothly through Parliament.

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

While there are some new faces in the cabinet, leaders such as BJP president JP Nadda and Jual Oram have returned as ministers.

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The political and ideological differences between the Congress and Shashi Tharoor is no longer a matter of whispers.

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Tuesday stepped down as Maharashtra chief minister, even as the suspense over who will succeed him as the new CM continued, three days after state assembly election results were announced.

Karnataka withdraws consent for CBI probes amid MUDA scam

Karnataka withdraws consent for CBI probes amid MUDA scam

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Asked whether this was being done to "shield" the chief minister who is facing a probe in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment case, Patil said: "On CM there is a court order for Lakayukta probe, so there is no such question."

BJP knocks off Congress and others, corners 6 parliamentary panels

BJP knocks off Congress and others, corners 6 parliamentary panels

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

Opposition parties have not been given the chairmanship of any of the four key parliamentary panels including the committee on home affairs and information technology, which were with the Congress, in the latest rejig announced on Tuesday.

No US Tariff Cut Commitment: Govt

No US Tariff Cut Commitment: Govt

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Government representatives told a parliamentary panel that the US has not officially conveyed to India that it should cut tariffs by April 2.

We saw a very different China during Indo-Pak conflict: Tharoor

We saw a very different China during Indo-Pak conflict: Tharoor

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

"China is an absolutely impossible factor to ignore in what has been our confrontation with Pakistan," Tharoor said.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.