News for 'Rajya Sabha election'

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Six Uddhav MPs set to jump ship, Raut threatens action

Six Uddhav MPs set to jump ship, Raut threatens action

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Six of the nine Shiv Sena-UBT Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary meeting, signalling a likely split and potential merger with the Eknath Shinde-led faction, which could trigger disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

TMC's existential crisis: Can Mamata Banerjee's party survive the internal rebellion?

TMC's existential crisis: Can Mamata Banerjee's party survive the internal rebellion?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A month after losing power in West Bengal and facing a rebellion by 58 MLAs, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) confronts an unprecedented challenge to Mamata Banerjee's absolute authority, raising questions about the party's survival and future.

Sitharaman, Javadekar take oath in Rajya Sabha

Sitharaman, Javadekar take oath in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com7 Jul 2014

Union ministers Prakash Javedkar and Nirmla Sitharaman and senior Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and Nationalist Congress Party's Praful Patel on Monday took oath as members of Rajya Sabha.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

In its list of 26 candidates for Thursday's assembly elections, 13 are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community -- a demographic that was at the centre of the original Assam agitation.

Sushma, Katiyar among BJP nominees for Rajya Sabha

Sushma, Katiyar among BJP nominees for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com10 Mar 2006

The leaders would meet again later in the day to clear the remaining eight names.

Protests over price rise wash out Rajya Sabha proceedings

Protests over price rise wash out Rajya Sabha proceedings

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

In the Upper House of Parliament, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu did not allow adjournment notices moved by opposition members on the issue of price rise, prompting members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Shiv Sena to create an uproar.

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

It is because dealing with a regulatory system that is largely headed by retired IAS officers then becomes relatively easy, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Digvijaya Singh ends 10-year exile, enters Rajya Sabha contest

Digvijaya Singh ends 10-year exile, enters Rajya Sabha contest

Rediff.com28 Jan 2014

Putting an end to his ten-year self-imposed 'exile' from electoral politics, Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Modi 3.0 will put its all might to...: PM in Rajya Sabha

Modi 3.0 will put its all might to...: PM in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

Confident of securing a massive majority in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday outlined his vision for his next five-year term saying the Modi 3.0 government will put all its might to strengthen the foundation of 'Viksit Bharat' or a developed nation.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Voters gave marching orders twice: Joshi taunts Oppn over Rajya Sabha disruptions

Voters gave marching orders twice: Joshi taunts Oppn over Rajya Sabha disruptions

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

With leaders of various opposition parties taking out a protest march in support of their demand for revoking the suspension of the 12 MPs, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pralhad Joshi took a swipe at them, saying the voters of the country have given them "marching orders" twice -- a reference to their back-to-back defeats in two Lok Sabha elections -- and will reduce their presence further.

Rajya Sabha plunges into turmoil

Rajya Sabha plunges into turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2009

Rajya Sabha plunged into a brief turmoil today when several BJP members objected to the use of the word "Modikaran" by Congress leader Satyavarat Chaturvedi.

Sharad Pawar files nomination for Rajya Sabha

Sharad Pawar files nomination for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

Stating that it was a "conscious" decision to quit electoral politics, Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar on Friday filed his nomination papers for the biennial Rajya Sabha polls scheduled to be held on February 7.

SC dismisses plea against open ballot system in Rajya Sabha polls

SC dismisses plea against open ballot system in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking to allow secret ballot in polls for the Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils, observing that the open ballot system is needed to "prevent cross voting and maintain party discipline".

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

It's time to reform the Rajya Sabha

It's time to reform the Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 Apr 2012

Chief ministers who have been championing federalism must take the lead in reforming the Rajya Sabha so that it truly represents the interests of their states rather than the permanent political interests of unelected party apparatchiks in Delhi, says Shashi Shekhar.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is facing a significant internal crisis, with reports suggesting that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to form a separate group. MP Arvind Sawant has formally requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise any such breakaway faction, emphasising the primacy of the political party over its legislative wing.

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

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.

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

From field to politics: How sportspersons fare in Indian politics

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.

Harivansh re-elected dy chairman of Rajya Sabha; PM calls him 'outstanding umpire'

Harivansh re-elected dy chairman of Rajya Sabha; PM calls him 'outstanding umpire'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

The opposition had fielded Manoj Jha, an Rashtriya Janata Dal member.

Kumar Vishwas attacks Kejriwal over Rajya Sabha nominations

Kumar Vishwas attacks Kejriwal over Rajya Sabha nominations

Rediff.com3 Jan 2018

The AAP leader, who was angling for a Rajya Sabha slot, said that it is difficult to survive in the Aam Aadmi Party if one disagrees with Kejriwal.

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The JD(U) stated that it supported the BJP for the Bihar chief minister's post to reciprocate past support, as the new government prepares for a vote of confidence.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' during a campaign stop, alleging it was a staged event for cameras. She also accused the BJP of aiding Independents from the minority community and criticised the Election Commission over voter roll revisions.

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating raids on premises linked to I-PAC executives to disrupt their election campaign in West Bengal, alleging vendetta politics and interference in the electoral process.

Arun Jaitley takes oath for new Rajya Sabha term

Arun Jaitley takes oath for new Rajya Sabha term

Rediff.com15 Apr 2018

The finance minister could not take the oath earlier in Parliament due to his ill-health.

BJP bags 12 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP

BJP bags 12 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

Mayawati was outmanoeuvred by the BJP in the race for the Rajya Sabha in Uttar Pradesh just days after she helped the Samajwadi Party snatch two Lok Sbaha seats from the saffron party in bypolls.

Samajwadi Party next? 2 UP ministers claim several leaders ready to defect

Samajwadi Party next? 2 UP ministers claim several leaders ready to defect

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has sensationally claimed a major split is imminent within the Samajwadi Party, with many leaders reportedly ready to defect to the BJP, a claim vehemently denied by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

BJP candidates win both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat

BJP candidates win both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat

Rediff.com22 Feb 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party candidates Dineshchamdra Jemalbhai Ananvadiya and Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya won both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat on Monday.

'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.'

SP nominates Amar Singh to Rajya Sabha

SP nominates Amar Singh to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com17 May 2016

The party also nominated six others, including former Union minister Beni Prasad Verma, an influential Kushwaha leader who recently quit Congress and returned to the Samajwadi Party, and realtor Sanjay Seth for the biennial polls scheduled next month.

DMK, Congress seal seat deal, end alliance buzz in Tamil Nadu

DMK, Congress seal seat deal, end alliance buzz in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Allies DMK and Congress have finalised their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, resolving earlier tensions over power-sharing demands.

Amit Shah set to enter Rajya Sabha from Gujarat

Amit Shah set to enter Rajya Sabha from Gujarat

Rediff.com26 Jul 2017

Union minister Smriti Irani will also contest the Rajya Sabha polls from Gujarat from where she is already an MP and her term ends on August 18.

Elections to 56 Rajya Sabha seats on March 26

Elections to 56 Rajya Sabha seats on March 26

Rediff.com25 Feb 2008

Seven members are retiring from Maharashtra followed by six each from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, five each from West Bengal and Bihar, four each from Orissa and Gujarat.