News for 'Points Lok Sabha'

Only 9 Women CEOs, 25 Women MDs in Top 500

Only 9 Women CEOs, 25 Women MDs in Top 500

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The top 500 listed companies had 860 women directors or board members overall.

Haryana: Can Congress Repeat Lok Sabha Success In Assembly Polls?

Haryana: Can Congress Repeat Lok Sabha Success In Assembly Polls?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

'Arithmetic could decide the Haryana election given the presence of multi-cornered contests.'

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

'Only one Shiv Sena exists': Shah's dig at Uddhav

'Only one Shiv Sena exists': Shah's dig at Uddhav

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of aligning with Congress to use infiltrators as a vote bank. Shah asserted that India is not a "dharmashala" and vowed to expel all infiltrators. He also commented on the impending split within the Sena (UBT), stating that Eknath Shinde now leads the only true Shiv Sena.

Rebels shifted to safe location in Rajasthan: Raut

Rebels shifted to safe location in Rajasthan: Raut

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that rebel MPs from his party received an additional Rs 10 crore each and were moved to a safe location in Rajasthan. This comes as six of the nine Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting, indicating a potential split and crossover to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Raut also warned of 'Operation Tudwa' against the dissidents and demanded their resignation.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has extended its order staying the arrest of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with the Salboni land-grabbing case. The West Bengal government alleged Roy was not cooperating with the probe, while Roy's counsel argued he has a right to silence and the case is politically motivated. The court will review a sealed cover report from the police before further proceedings.

Rebel MP Nimbalkar keeps Sena-UBT guessing, turns to voters for direction

Rebel MP Nimbalkar keeps Sena-UBT guessing, turns to voters for direction

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissidents, on Sunday said he will decide his political course only after consulting the people of his constituency, even as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party hopes he will not defect.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

EC begins preparations for 2024 Lok Sabha poll

EC begins preparations for 2024 Lok Sabha poll

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

"Mock polls" are part of the first level check (FLC) process.

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Lack of women in Karnataka's new council of ministers has put the spotlight once again on women's under-representation in politics and policy.

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has appealed for peace and dialogue amid the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, urging people to work towards an amicable solution.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

Amid Shiv Sena-UBT goes into crucial meet amid rebellion by MPs

Amid Shiv Sena-UBT goes into crucial meet amid rebellion by MPs

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is holding a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi to address a potential split by dissident MPs. A whip has been issued, making attendance mandatory, as the party aims to prevent a breakaway faction from merging with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and initiating disqualification proceedings.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is set to release her memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in November. The book will cover her personal life, including her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, the tragedies she faced, her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, and her journey into politics. It promises an intimate look at her experiences within one of India's most powerful political families.

Former Sena-UBT MP's daughter-in-law accuses him of torture, black magic

Former Sena-UBT MP's daughter-in-law accuses him of torture, black magic

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha member Vinayak Raut, his son, and five others have been booked for allegedly physically, mentally, and financially torturing his daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, and subjecting her to black magic. The complaint details allegations of abuse, medical negligence, and occult rituals, which the Raut family vehemently denies, stating the accusations are an attempt to pressure them amidst ongoing divorce proceedings.

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The CPI(M) has strongly opposed the Union government's proposal to levy charges on UPI transactions, calling it a "breach of public trust" and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation. The party highlighted that the government had previously promoted UPI as a free public utility, encouraging widespread adoption, and now seeks to monetise this infrastructure. They also linked this move to a broader trend of increasing banking charges.

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The defence ministryh has "initiated efforts" to join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, Future Combat Air System (FCAS), spearheaded by the French government, and sought from it the roadmap to acquire such aircraft, a parliamentary panel has said.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, labelling them a "bunch of jokers" with no understanding of India, and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy as merely "hugging leaders." He also claimed the RSS has become an instrument of large capital, serving Adani and Ambani, and vowed that the Congress would keep pressure on the government until Modi and Shah resign. The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi immature and out of depth.

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Agreed to NEET debate, Rahul 'backtracked': Govt amid Cong protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests and allegations of paper leaks, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence has prompted the government to declare its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on the contentious NEET examination.

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amidst the INDIA bloc conclave in Delhi, a significant number of Trinamool Congress MPs convened a closed-door meeting, signalling a deepening internal rebellion and discontent within the party's parliamentary ranks following recent electoral setbacks.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Premature surrender and withdrawal of life insurance policies in India have surpassed maturity payouts over the past five years, indicating a growing trend of policyholders exiting long-term policies before their full tenure, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Centre defends CEC law in SC, says PM's integrity cannot be questioned

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Defending the law for regulating appointment procedures of the chief election commissioner and the deputies, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it would be wrong to assume that the prime minister and the other ministers would act in "bad faith" and against "democracy" because they have a numerical majority in the selection procedure.

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

Raut alleges Rs 15-cr offer to poach Maha MPs amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Raut alleges Rs 15-cr offer to poach Maha MPs amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Speculation is rife about a potential rebellion among MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), with ruling Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik hinting at welcoming dissidents. Despite a Sena (UBT) MP meeting a rival minister and several skipping a party meeting, senior leaders Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai have dismissed the defection rumours, asserting the unity of their parliamentarians.

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Congress leader seeks privilege move against Rajnath over Operation Sindoor casualties

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding privilege proceedings against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for allegedly "misleading" Parliament regarding Indian soldier casualties post the Pahalgam terror attack and during Operation Sindoor.

PM Modi, Amit Shah must resign over attack on students: Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi, Amit Shah must resign over attack on students: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students for alleged police brutality and resign along with Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi criticised the government's handling of student protests concerning the education and testing system, highlighting the use of force against demonstrators near Parliament.

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence to submit a petition with two lakh signatures against E20 petrol. He is demanding consumer choice, lower E20 prices, and transparency regarding studies supporting the fuel. The government defends the E20 programme, citing energy security and no evidence of vehicle harm.

How Modi Bounced Back From Lok Sabha Setback

How Modi Bounced Back From Lok Sabha Setback

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

A new kind of history has been created in Maharashtra. Accept it. We need to give credit where it's due. Modi led this change... from the setback of June 4 to November 23, notes Sheela Bhatt.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Big twist: Rajya Sabha nomination of Cong's Meenakshi Natarajan rejected

Big twist: Rajya Sabha nomination of Cong's Meenakshi Natarajan rejected

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A complaint was submitted by BJP candidate Mahesh Kewat, contesting the third Rajya Sabha seat, to the Returning Officer alleging that Natarajan deliberately hid information about a case filed against her in Telangana.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Modi urges people to take 'developed India' pledge on I-Day

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate Independence Day with honour and pride, urging them to take a pledge for a developed India. This appeal comes amidst parliamentary sessions marked by protests from both ruling and opposition alliances.