News for 'Parliamentary Affairs'

'Kalia Kumaraswamy': K'taka minister's racial slur against HDK

'Kalia Kumaraswamy': K'taka minister's racial slur against HDK

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The Janata Dal-Secular demanded that the Congress government should sack Khan from the Cabinet for his racist slur.

Govt seeks parliamentary nod for extra expenditure

Govt seeks parliamentary nod for extra expenditure

Rediff.com18 Dec 2008

Of these, the extra expenditure proposals involve net cash outgo aggregating Rs 42,480.10 crore (Rs 424.8 billion). The demands were laid in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy.

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Government employees in Bangladesh locked down the main gate of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting a new service law that allows for easier dismissal of officials for misconduct. The protest, which lasted for about half an hour, disrupted government operations. The employees also threatened to continue their protests until the ordinance was scrapped. Meanwhile, the protest by employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding the installation of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor, has brought administrative services to a halt. These protests, coupled with concerns raised by the business community and the military, highlight a growing sense of unease in Bangladesh over the policies of the interim government.

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in the Indian Parliament walked out of the Rajya Sabha after their demand for an immediate discussion on the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh, where a stampede led to several deaths, was rejected. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, declined to suspend the scheduled business of the day to take up the issue, citing his previous rulings regarding notices under Rule 267.

Modi is BJP parliamentary party leader in both Houses

Modi is BJP parliamentary party leader in both Houses

Rediff.com12 Jul 2014

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be the deputy leader of the party in the Lok Sabha and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha.

Waqf Bill to be introduced in this Parliament session: Amit Shah

Waqf Bill to be introduced in this Parliament session: Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Only four working days are left for the ongoing budget session to come to an end on April 4.

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

An Indian delegation led by the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad will tour key European capitals to expose Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and State-sponsored extremism.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

BJP slams Jairam Ramesh for 'live-tweeting' at all-party meet

BJP slams Jairam Ramesh for 'live-tweeting' at all-party meet

Rediff.com21 Jul 2024

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya said there is a certain propriety and protocol one associates with these all-party meetings.

Waqf land: Karnataka to withdraw notices issued to farmers

Waqf land: Karnataka to withdraw notices issued to farmers

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Following allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil on Monday said the notices issued to them will be withdrawn, and the Deputy Commissioner is inquiring into the 'mistake'.

Govt rejigs Cabinet Committees; Smriti finds place in crucial panel on political affairs

Govt rejigs Cabinet Committees; Smriti finds place in crucial panel on political affairs

Rediff.com13 Jul 2021

Union ministers Virendra Kumar, Kiren Rijiju and Anurag Singh Thakur have been included in the rejigged Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariate last night.

Tharoor Vs Bhutto: India-Pak delegations to face off in US

Tharoor Vs Bhutto: India-Pak delegations to face off in US

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Tharoor said that though India's case might not be at the top of the agenda for the US media, India can get its message across easily.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Several parliamentary standing committees reconstituted

Several parliamentary standing committees reconstituted

Rediff.com9 Oct 2021

Shashi Tharoor has also been retained as the chairman of the panel on Information Technology.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

The parliamentary panel, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party's Sushil Kumar Modi, has also decided to examine remote voting and e-postal ballots for Indians residing abroad.

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day in the Winter Session as opposition parties continued their protests over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of convening, despite appeals from the Chair to engage in productive dialogue and refrain from disruption. The opposition members raised slogans demanding action against the perpetrators of violence in Sambhal, and sought discussions on allegations of irregularities against the Adani Group and the violence in Manipur.

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus is considering resigning after political parties failed to reach a common ground, according to the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief. Yunus, appointed after a student-led uprising toppled the previous government, expressed concerns about his ability to function in the current political climate.

Mumbai's King's Circle, Sandhurst Road to become history

Mumbai's King's Circle, Sandhurst Road to become history

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

The Maharashtra legislative council on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to rename seven stations on the Mumbai local train network.

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the Centre's proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling for its recall. Chief Minister M K Stalin argued that the amendment interferes with religious affairs and would negatively impact the Muslim minority. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Assembly, with support from all parties, including the opposition AIADMK and PMK. The BJP, however, walked out in protest, accusing the ruling DMK of engaging in divisive politics. The bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure efficient management of Waqf properties but has been criticized for potentially encroaching on religious freedom and autonomy. The Tamil Nadu government claims that the amendment would lead to government control over the Waqf Board and its properties, impacting its autonomy and potentially allowing for government acquisition of Muslim-owned lands.

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials on Saturday to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers regarding Waqf land.

Spoke as an Indian: Tharoor on his 'egg on my face' remark

Spoke as an Indian: Tharoor on his 'egg on my face' remark

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Tharoor had earlier criticised India's stance when Russia attacked Ukraine and called for condemnation of the aggression.

UP amends law to award life imprisonment for unlawful conversion

UP amends law to award life imprisonment for unlawful conversion

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

The Uttar Pradesh assembly on Tuesday passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024 that provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment, making the law stricter in cases of fraudulent or forced conversion.

Parliamentary panel calls meeting on Uniform Civil Code on July 3

Parliamentary panel calls meeting on Uniform Civil Code on July 3

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

Till Tuesday evening, the law panel had received nearly 8.5 lakh responses on its public notice.

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move 'dictatorial' and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to name the committee's chairperson soon.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Union Budget, 6 bills to be tabled during monsoon session

Union Budget, 6 bills to be tabled during monsoon session

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Tuesday as the Monsoon Session of Parliament gets underway next week with the united opposition set to corner the National Democratic Alliance government on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case and railway safety.

Mamata convenes special session to pass anti-rape law

Mamata convenes special session to pass anti-rape law

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

A two-day special session of the West Bengal assembly was convened by the government on September 2 to table and pass a Bill which would provide for capital punishment to convicted rapists, Parliamentary Affairs minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said. The Bill would be tabled for discussion and passage on Tuesday, the second day of the special session, Speaker Biman Banerjee said.

First session of 18th LS from June 24; Budget likely in July

First session of 18th LS from June 24; Budget likely in July

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

The session will conclude on July 3.

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Logjam over, Oppn agrees to let Parliament function

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The government and opposition parties on Monday reached an agreement to break the impasse in Parliament with dates announced for discussions on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Will empower Muslim women: Govt tables Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha

Will empower Muslim women: Govt tables Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The bill aims to include all the Muslims sects in the Waqf board, Rijiju said.

Parliament's Budget session from January 31

Parliament's Budget session from January 31

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

A brief Budget session of Parliament, the last of the 17th Lok Sabha, will be held between January 31 and February 9, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Assam assembly will discontinue with the two-hour break provided on Fridays to facilitate Muslim legislators to offer 'namaaz', Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The rule will be implemented from the next session, an assembly official said.

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses of Parliament, highlighting the government's achievements in various sectors, including economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. She emphasized the government's efforts to lift the economy out of "policy paralysis" and create a more inclusive society. Murmu also acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud and cybercrime and stressed the need for a social infrastructure revolution. The President's speech is considered a policy statement, outlining the government's vision and roadmap for the future.

BJP asks why Rahul didn't open debate on no-trust motion, Cong says...

BJP asks why Rahul didn't open debate on no-trust motion, Cong says...

Rediff.com8 Aug 2023

The last minute decision of the Congress to withdraw Rahul Gandhi's name as the lead speaker on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha led to heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches on Tuesday.