News for 'Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament'

Rajya Sabha creates record, takes up all listed questions after 15 years

Rajya Sabha creates record, takes up all listed questions after 15 years

Rediff.com2 Jan 2018

The last time all listed starred questions were taken up was in 2002 during the 197th Session of the Upper House, officials in the Rajya Sabha secretariat said.

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A 39-member parliamentary panel has been constituted to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The panel, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, will include prominent members from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK. The panel is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session. The government has decided to increase the committee's strength to include more political parties, highlighting the significance of this proposal to reform the election process in India.

MPs submit notices to seek removal of Justice Verma

MPs submit notices to seek removal of Justice Verma

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Stepping up the heat on Justice Yashwant Varma, parliamentarians on Monday submitted notices to the presiding officers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Allahabad high court judge from whose residence in New Delhi burnt wads of currency notes were found.

Cong starts process to fill up Rajya Sabha vacancies

Cong starts process to fill up Rajya Sabha vacancies

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has called a meeting of chief ministers of 12 Congress-ruled states to figure out how to fill out the vacancies in the Rajya Sabha. Highly-placed sources have said that he wants to cajole Amethis's former feudal lord Sanjay Singh; by giving him an RS ticket, in view of his own weak position in Amethi. Renu Mittal reports.

Rajya Sabha proceedings disrupted for 3rd day

Rajya Sabha proceedings disrupted for 3rd day

Rediff.com6 Feb 2019

The proceedings were washed out over various issues including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and roster system for reservation in educational institutions.

No question hour, private members' business in special Parliament session

No question hour, private members' business in special Parliament session

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

A session of both Houses of Parliament will be held from September 18-22 without Question Hour or private members' business, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha secretariats said on Saturday.

Modi to open 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram in LS

Modi to open 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram in LS

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday, which is expected to bring to light several important and previously unknown facets about the national song.

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, while also urging him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally. He also mentioned the previous Chairman, triggering protests.

Congress hits Swamy obstacle in Rajya Sabha

Congress hits Swamy obstacle in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 Apr 2016

'This man has aged, but does not know the difference between words spoken on the streets from those of spoken in Parliament.' 'He does not allow his hair to turn gray, so he hasn't learned or matured.' Rashme Sehgal reports on how Subramanian Swamy has riled the Congress yet again.

T-Bill will be immediately brought in Rajya Sabha: Kamal Nath

T-Bill will be immediately brought in Rajya Sabha: Kamal Nath

Rediff.com18 Feb 2014

After Lok Sabha successfully passed the Telangana bill, the government on Tuesday said it will immediately bring the legislation in Rajya Sabha.

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'It was done with record speed. First, a revolt of the MLAs, which was obviously engineered.' ''No one believed me when I said the MLAs breaking away is not the real issue.' 'It is like a comet. The head doesn't matter, the tail matters.' 'And the tail is Parliament. Suvendu has gifted the prime minister 20 MPs.'

GST bill passed in Rajya Sabha; truly historic, says PM

GST bill passed in Rajya Sabha; truly historic, says PM

Rediff.com3 Aug 2016

The GST will replace more than a dozen levies central and state levies, including central excise duty, service tax and central sales tax as well as VAT on sale of goods and entry tax, to make movement of goods seamless across 1.3 billion market.

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The poll is witnessing a direct contest between ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, with the BJP-led alliance having a clear edge in the poll necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Vice-Presidential election: Stage set for 'south versus south' battle

Vice-Presidential election: Stage set for 'south versus south' battle

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The stage is set for a direct contest between NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy for the September 9 vice-presidential election. Nominations have been scrutinized and accepted.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Gujarat Rajya Sabha election turns into a high-stakes battle

Gujarat Rajya Sabha election turns into a high-stakes battle

Rediff.com7 Aug 2017

The elections to the Upper House from the state, where assembly polls are due later this year, have received greater attention with BJP president Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani entering the fray and the Congress putting up its heavyweight Ahmed Patel.

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Lok Sabha will debate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms after an all-party agreement, potentially breaking the logjam over discussions on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

BJP gives ticket to Supriya Sule's daughter's future father in-law

BJP gives ticket to Supriya Sule's daughter's future father in-law

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

BJP candidate Arun Lakhani, contesting the Maharashtra legislative council elections, addresses the unique situation of his son's marriage to Supriya Sule's daughter, emphasising the separation of politics and family ties.

EC chief ducks questions on Oppn move to remove him

EC chief ducks questions on Oppn move to remove him

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar declined to comment on the opposition's notice to move a motion in Parliament for his removal, amidst accusations of partisan behaviour.

Rajya Sabha clears long-pending Insurance Bill

Rajya Sabha clears long-pending Insurance Bill

Rediff.com12 Mar 2015

Foreign investment cap in insurance sector raised to 49 per cent.

CEC removal motion: Are Opposition charges strong enough?

CEC removal motion: Are Opposition charges strong enough?

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in India have submitted notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over his appointment, conduct, and alleged manipulation of electoral processes.

Rajya Sabha passes citizenship bill with 125-105 votes

Rajya Sabha passes citizenship bill with 125-105 votes

Rediff.com12 Dec 2019

After a 6.5-hour debate, the upper house clears the bill. Amit Shah said the bill is not anti-Muslim and Indian minorities have nothing to fear from its passage.

Opposition close ranks over Arunachal issue, disrupts Rajya Sabha

Opposition close ranks over Arunachal issue, disrupts Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com18 Dec 2015

The Opposition members charged the Governor with "unconstitutional" conduct after the Gauhati high court put on hold all his decision including move to advance the winter session of the assembly by a month.

India to get new Vice President on September 9

India to get new Vice President on September 9

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The election for the post of Vice President will be held on September 9, with the notification being issued on August 7 and the last date for filing nominations on August 21.

Uddhav's MPs joining Shinde Sena? 'Operation Tiger' buzz in Maha

Uddhav's MPs joining Shinde Sena? 'Operation Tiger' buzz in Maha

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Maharashtra's opposition leaders acknowledged a sense of discomfort within the ruling party, fueling speculation about the state's political stability.

The monk who declined Rajya Sabha membership

The monk who declined Rajya Sabha membership

Rediff.com9 May 2016

Pranav Pandya, head and mentor, All World Gayatri Pariwar, says he's not inclined to accept

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.

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

They said a 'mock poll' would be conducted in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan at around 2:30 PM on Monday after the briefing on the procedure to vote in the vice presidential polls.

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.

Rajya Sabha adjourns several times as Cong, BSP protest

Rajya Sabha adjourns several times as Cong, BSP protest

Rediff.com14 Dec 2015

Slogan shouting Congress and BJP members on Monday forced four adjournments of Rajya Sabha demanding dismissal of SAD-BJP government in Punjab over alleged atrocities against Dalit youths.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the nation regarding the women's quota bill and plotting to push through the delimitation exercise by using women as a shield.

Jagan's close aide Vijayasai Reddy quits politics, resigns from RS

Jagan's close aide Vijayasai Reddy quits politics, resigns from RS

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

V Vijayasai Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member from the YSRCP, has announced his decision to quit politics and resign from his parliamentary membership. He stated that agriculture will be his future and that his decision was personal, with no pressure or influence from others. Reddy's announcement comes as the YSRCP faces challenges after its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections. He thanked YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for providing him the Rajya Sabha opportunity and highlighted his working relationship with the ruling TDP and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Opposition targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar with 7-point chargesheet

Opposition targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar with 7-point chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in India have moved notices in Parliament seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of bias, misconduct, and acting under the influence of the executive.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.

Moving to new Parliament building: Here's what will happen today

Moving to new Parliament building: Here's what will happen today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead a function in the Central Hall of Parliament on Tuesday to celebrate the country's rich parliamentary legacy and resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Explained: How a CEC can be removed in India

Explained: How a CEC can be removed in India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The opposition is likely to submit a notice in both Houses of Parliament to remove Gyanesh Kumar as the chief election commissioner, marking a historic first. This article details the legal procedure for removing a CEC, including the roles of Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the investigation process.

391 votes needed to win vice president's poll, NDA has 425

391 votes needed to win vice president's poll, NDA has 425

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

The present strength of the electoral college is 781 as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. This puts the majority mark at 391. The NDA has 425 MPs, while the opposition camp has the backing of 324.

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Modi's address to Parliament on the situation and its potential impact on India.

Will the Insurance Bill find resistance in Rajya Sabha?

Will the Insurance Bill find resistance in Rajya Sabha?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2014

Uncertainty looms over the Insurance Bill as the Congress looks unlikely to support it in the current session of Parliament which is what the Modi government is looking at as a 'gift' to United States President Barrack Obama who comes to India in January. Renu Mittal/Rediff.com reports