News for 'Rajya Sabha MPs'

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready to discuss the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, but cautioned the Opposition against setting timelines. This comes after the Opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the matter, citing concerns over the safety of BLOs and the importance of the issue for democracy.

Oppn MPs walk out of RS for denying clarification on Indo-China statement

Oppn MPs walk out of RS for denying clarification on Indo-China statement

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Opposition MPs in India's Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Wednesday after being disallowed to seek clarifications on a statement made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on India-China relations. The minister, who had given an identical statement on the issue in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, addressed the Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday on India-China relations and also talked about the recent disengagement in Ladakh. Soon after his statement, opposition MPs wanted to seek some clarifications on the issue. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar did not allow it, resulting in an uproar in the House briefly.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking the implementation of the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Several opposition MPs, who had previously criticized former Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, are now praising him following his sudden resignation, with some even requesting him to reconsider.

In LS replay, govt, oppn unite to pass states OBC quota bill in Rajya Sabha

In LS replay, govt, oppn unite to pass states OBC quota bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com11 Aug 2021

A constitutional amendment bill to restore the powers of the states to make their own OBC lists was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, with the opposition and treasury benches joining hands in the Rajya Sabha to approve the legislation.

Revealed! Mo-Shah's 370 MPs Plans

Revealed! Mo-Shah's 370 MPs Plans

Rediff.com5 Mar 2024

The BJP's top leadership will drop its MPs found to be facing anti-incumbency, according to its internal surveys -- a pivotal tactic to ensure the party achieves its target of winning 370 seats.

Now, Kejriwal Has A Song Launch!

Now, Kejriwal Has A Song Launch!

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launches AAP's campaign song for the Delhi assembly elections.

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc MPs clashed in Parliament on Thursday over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, leading to jostling and an injury to BJP MP Pratap Sarangi. The opposition demanded Shah's resignation, while the BJP defended him.

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticizes the government's focus on cross-voting in the vice presidential poll, urging attention to issues like US tariffs, Manipur violence, and MGNREGA funds.

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President Dhankhar had in March this year undergone an angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

BJP at 69, Congress at 50 in Rajya Sabha after polls

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

However, a majority in the Council of States will continue to elude the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

JD-U nominates 3 new faces for Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar

JD-U nominates 3 new faces for Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United on Friday dropped its three sitting members of Parliament and nominated new faces for the Rajya Sabha polls to be held on February 7.

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.

WATCH LIVE! MPs address Rajya Sabha

WATCH LIVE! MPs address Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 May 2012

WATCH LIVE! PM addresses Rajya Sabha

No slogans, exhibits in Parliament, don't criticise chair: MPs told

No slogans, exhibits in Parliament, don't criticise chair: MPs told

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has come out with excerpts from the 'Handbook for Members of Rajya Sabha', drawing the attention of the members to parliamentary customs and conventions and parliamentary etiquette.

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Several leaders of the BJP and its allies are of the view that the NDA this time is unlikely to follow the instincts that made it pick Dhankhar and will be more conventional in its search for his successor.

VP poll: AIADMK urges TN MPs to back NDA nominee Radhakrishnan

VP poll: AIADMK urges TN MPs to back NDA nominee Radhakrishnan

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan accused the BJP of nominating Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan for Vice President for electoral gains in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami urged support for Radhakrishnan, while other leaders offered mixed reactions.

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was proud of the manner in which the multi-party delegations presented India's views in various countries on the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Lok Sabha pays respects to Gen Rawat, others; Oppn calls off protest

Lok Sabha pays respects to Gen Rawat, others; Oppn calls off protest

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

The Lok Sabha observed a two-minute silence on the demise of the 13 people.

'Save Democracy': INDIA bloc protests against MPs' suspension

'Save Democracy': INDIA bloc protests against MPs' suspension

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

INDIA bloc leaders will protest at Jantar Mantar Friday against suspension of MPs and nationwide protests will also be held in all district headquarters against the government's "immoral and illegal" behaviour of this government, the Leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha said.

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die amid din, Speaker warns of action

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die amid din, Speaker warns of action

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday amid protests by opposition and treasury benches over the alleged insult to Dr B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding demonstrations at any gate of Parliament.

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Rijiju also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that his own party MPs "get uncomfortable" when he speaks in Parliament and are apprehensive that he will do "anap-shanap baatein" and the party will have to bear the consequences.

SIR row: RS Chair warns against sharing expunged speeches online

SIR row: RS Chair warns against sharing expunged speeches online

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Rajya Sabha Chair addresses the issue of expunged proceedings being shared on social media amidst ongoing stalemate between the government and opposition regarding a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

While naming him as the NDA candidate for the Vice President's post, the BJP had described him as 'Kisan putra', a move seen in the political circles aimed at reaching out to the politically significant Jat community which had participated in huge numbers in the year-long farmers' protests against agriculture reform measures unveiled in June 2020.

Modi seeks unanimous election of Radhakrishnan as VP

Modi seeks unanimous election of Radhakrishnan as VP

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The National Democratic Alliance's vice presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan was felicitated at a meeting of the ruling bloc's MPs in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union ministers. He is expected to file his nomination soon.

24 of BJP's outgoing RS members don't get renominated

24 of BJP's outgoing RS members don't get renominated

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

Many senior BJP leaders and outgoing Rajya Sabha MPs, including seven Union ministers such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav, have not been renominated by the party for the biennial Rajya Sabha polls amid strong indications that several of them may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

PHOTOS: Inside Mahua Moitra-Pinaki Misra wedding reception

PHOTOS: Inside Mahua Moitra-Pinaki Misra wedding reception

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Moitra was seen in a red saree with zari butis and traditional gold jewellery, while husband Misra was dressed in a classic white traditional dhoti and kurta with a distinct Odiya bomkai borers.

No more support to BJP, only opposition, declares BJD

No more support to BJP, only opposition, declares BJD

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The BJD not only supported the BJP in Parliament on different issues over the last few years but also helped Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw get elected to Rajya Sabha in 2019 and 2024.

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The INDIA bloc is set to field a joint candidate for the upcoming vice presidential elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is engaging with opposition parties to identify potential candidates and build consensus. The decision reflects a unified front among opposition parties aiming to send a strong political message.

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Indian government has increased the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 24 percent, effective April 1, 2023. This increase was based on the Cost Inflation Index and brings their monthly salary to Rs 1.24 lakh. The notification also included increases in daily allowances for sitting members, pension, and additional pension for former MPs. While some MPs welcomed the increase, others expressed dissatisfaction and instead advocated for a rise in the MP Local Area Development Fund (MPLADS). The increase has been implemented based on the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act and the Cost Inflation Index specified in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

40% sitting MPs have criminal cases, 25% serious: ADR

40% sitting MPs have criminal cases, 25% serious: ADR

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

About 40 per cent of sitting MPs have criminal cases registered against them out of which 25 per cent have declared serious criminal cases under charges of murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and crimes against women, according to poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

49 more Oppn MPs suspended; 141 suspensions so far

49 more Oppn MPs suspended; 141 suspensions so far

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

The MPs suspended on Tuesday include National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari.

Opposition demands debate on Constitution in both Houses

Opposition demands debate on Constitution in both Houses

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Opposition leaders on Tuesday demanded a debate on the Constitution in both Houses of Parliament, stressing it was needed in the light of the recent developments in the country.

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

A look at the legal provisions governing the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in India, amid threats from opposition parties.

Rajya Sabha adjourned over Kasganj violence, Delhi sealing drive

Rajya Sabha adjourned over Kasganj violence, Delhi sealing drive

Rediff.com2 Feb 2018

While members of Samajwadi Party raised the issue of Kasganj violence, the newly-elected Aam Aadmi Party members protested against the sealing drive in Delhi.

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting, focusing on current issues, the upcoming vice president's election, and likely addressing opposition concerns.

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Amid a row over change in stand over voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday asserted it is a secular regional outfit and maintains equal distance from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance bloc led by the Congress.

95 MPs skipped all meetings of parliamentary committees

95 MPs skipped all meetings of parliamentary committees

Rediff.com2 Mar 2020

As many as 95 MPs did not attend even a single meeting of the parliamentary standing committees that reviewed allocations for different ministries post-presentation of the Union Budget for the 2020-21 fiscal, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday. Giving an account of the meetings of these panels on the opening day of the Rajya Sabha after the recess, Naidu said, "Ninety-five members, accounting for 39 per cent of the total 244, did not attend any meeting on the demands for grants. Only 28 members had zero attendance last time."

Cong rubs it in, seeks farewell for Dhankhar; govt silent

Cong rubs it in, seeks farewell for Dhankhar; govt silent

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The demand was raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh at the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on Wednesday evening.