News for 'Rajya Sabha in Parliament'

Parliament's winter session ends without pollution debate

Parliament's winter session ends without pollution debate

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, marking the end of the 19-day Winter Session. Key bills were passed, including one opening the civil nuclear sector to private companies and another replacing MNREGA.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

AAP MPs marshalled out of Rajya Sabha over unruly behaviour

AAP MPs marshalled out of Rajya Sabha over unruly behaviour

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

The slogan-shouting AAP members stormed into the Well of the House just as the Rajya Sabha took up a discussion on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Rajya Sabha loses 40 of 50 working hours during first 2 weeks

Rajya Sabha loses 40 of 50 working hours during first 2 weeks

Rediff.com31 Jul 2021

With disruptions continuing, the productivity of Rajya Sabha fell to 13.70 per cent during the second week of the ongoing monsoon session from 32.20 per cent during the first week, resulting in an overall productivity of 21.60 per cent for the first two weeks.

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".

Hamid Ansari on 10 years as Rajya Sabha chairman

Hamid Ansari on 10 years as Rajya Sabha chairman

Rediff.com14 Aug 2017

'The chair is a referee in a match, whether this side is playing better or that side is playing worse is no concern of the chair.'

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.

EC announces bypolls to 7 Rajya Sabha seats in six states

EC announces bypolls to 7 Rajya Sabha seats in six states

Rediff.com9 Sep 2021

There are two such seats in Tamil Nadu and one each in West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh.

Sena MPs to sit in opposition benches in Rajya Sabha

Sena MPs to sit in opposition benches in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com16 Nov 2019

Sources said that Shiv Sena MPs Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai will now sit in the opposition benches during the Winter Session of Parliament, beginning Monday.

Jaya's MPs expose UPA's weak links in Rajya Sabha

Jaya's MPs expose UPA's weak links in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com22 Apr 2013

Members of Parliament belonging to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Monday exposed the chinks in the United Progressive Alliance's armour by getting question hour suspended in the Rajya Sabha with their demand to bring the Coalgate scam into focus

5 changes Rajya Sabha wanted in Aadhaar Bill

5 changes Rajya Sabha wanted in Aadhaar Bill

Rediff.com17 Mar 2016

The Congress and the Left parties might move court to challenge LS speaker's ruling on Aadhaar as money Bill.

Can Gehlot fill Jaitley's void in Rajya Sabha?

Can Gehlot fill Jaitley's void in Rajya Sabha?

Rediff.com14 Jun 2019

Even his critics say Thaawar Chand Gehlot is a man of delivery. 'If a task is assigned, he wins it over with political sagacity,' they say.

Outgoing Rajya Sabha MPs speak against 'encroachment' by judiciary

Outgoing Rajya Sabha MPs speak against 'encroachment' by judiciary

Rediff.com14 May 2016

As Rajya Sabha bade farewell to 53 retiring members, the House saw voices against the alleged "encroachment" by judiciary on the rights of legislature

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.

NDA MPs stand in Rajya Sabha in solidarity with Dhankhar

NDA MPs stand in Rajya Sabha in solidarity with Dhankhar

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

As soon as the House resumed at noon, Joshi said, "In protest against the action of their party's former president (Rahul Gandhi) and in your honour and in honour of the Constitution, we would participate in the Question Hour while remaining standing in silence. We request for your permission".

Rajya Sabha's CELEB quotient over the years

Rajya Sabha's CELEB quotient over the years

Rediff.com27 Apr 2012

Rediff.com lists a few celebs who have donned the role of a politician in the Rajya Sabha.

Tendulkar cynosure of all eyes in Rajya Sabha

Tendulkar cynosure of all eyes in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com5 Aug 2013

Tendulkar, who was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in April last year along with Bollywood actor Rekha and businesswoman Anu Aga, shook hands with some MPs before taking his seat.

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Kharge condemned the use of the "abodh balak" term for Gandhi and alleged that BJP MPs can't even speak their mind.

TMC's Dinesh Trivedi resigns from Rajya Sabha ahead of Bengal polls

TMC's Dinesh Trivedi resigns from Rajya Sabha ahead of Bengal polls

Rediff.com12 Feb 2021

The Trinamool Congress MP said he is unable to bear various incidents that are happening in West Bengal.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

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.

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the opposition and the government regarding a discussion on the West Asia crisis, with accusations of political maneuvering and failure to uphold the dignity of parliamentary positions.

Joint session likely if Rajya Sabha rejects Lokpal Bill

Joint session likely if Rajya Sabha rejects Lokpal Bill

Rediff.com28 Dec 2011

It will be a touch-and-go affair in the Upper House, remarked a senior Congress leader underlining that there were many ifs and buts for the bill to be passed

Rajya Sabha stand-off may endanger key Bills

Rajya Sabha stand-off may endanger key Bills

Rediff.com4 Dec 2014

Government floor managers are busy talking to Opposition members to resolve the stand-off over Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti's remarks, in the Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha may debate motion to remove Speaker Om Birla on Monday

Lok Sabha may debate motion to remove Speaker Om Birla on Monday

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha is set to debate a motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, a rare event where he will be seated among members as the House considers allegations of partisan conduct.

Suspended MPs refuse to leave Rajya Sabha

Suspended MPs refuse to leave Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com9 Mar 2010

Seven members of the Rajya Sabha belonging to the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Lok Janshakti Party and an independent Member of Parliament were suspended on Tuesday for the remaining part of the budget session for their unruly behaviour in the House on Monday over the Women's Reservation Bill.The suspended members are Subhash Yadav (RJD), Sabir Ali (LJP), Veerpal Singh Yadav, Nand Kishore Yadav, Amir Alam Khan and Kamal Akhtar (SP) and Ejaz Ali.

BJP set to get working majority in Rajya Sabha

BJP set to get working majority in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

The BJP is still short of the halfway mark of 123 in the 245-member House, but can now muster a 'working' majority with help of allies, friendly parties, some Independents and nominated members.

How Amma's MPs agreed to support JAC in Rajya Sabha

How Amma's MPs agreed to support JAC in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com14 Aug 2014

According our source in New Delhi, it took Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All India Dravida Munetra Kazhagam chief J Jayalalithaa's early-hour phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi eased the tension about the unanimous resolution on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

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.

Rajya Sabha goes digital to save paper

Rajya Sabha goes digital to save paper

Rediff.com13 May 2010

The Rajya Sabha is all set to go digital to minimise the massive wastage of paper in the House, thanks to an initiative by Vice President and Chairman Hamid Ansari.As per the suggested changes, Parliamentarians will receive documents in hard copy only if they request for it and special incentives will be provided to MPs who opt for the digital format.Ansari, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, wants Parliament to set an example.

Parliament clears 'G Ram G' bill; Oppn stages overnight protest

Parliament clears 'G Ram G' bill; Oppn stages overnight protest

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

"This is an insult to India's poor, it is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, it is an insult to Rabindranath Tagore. With just five hours' notice, this bill was given to us. We were not allowed a proper debate," Ghose said.

BJP's Rajya Sabha member may join AIADMK

BJP's Rajya Sabha member may join AIADMK

Rediff.com5 Jul 2009

Bharatiya Janata Party's Rajya Sabha member Su Thirunavukkarasar has decided to resign from the party and the upper House of the Parliament as he is all set to rejoin the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.Su Thirunavukkarasar said that he would take a final decision on the matter after he talked to senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Rajnath Singh. The 60-year old leader unsuccessfully contested from Ramanathapuram in the Parliamentary polls

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 seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has formally petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to disqualify 20 rebel MPs, arguing their claimed merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) is invalid under the anti-defection law.

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.

PM takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

PM takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Rediff.com15 Jun 2007

The prime minister was elected unopposed on May 18 after independent candidate Matang Singh withdrew from the contest.

Why Congress can't fulfill its leaders' Rajya Sabha dreams

Why Congress can't fulfill its leaders' Rajya Sabha dreams

Rediff.com5 Nov 2014

The Congress is finding it tough to accommodate defeated senior leaders in the Rajya Sabha as it does not have the numerical strength in various assemblies to win the seats.