News for 'Rajya Sabha the Congress'

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha.

US seeks arrest of Cong Rajya Sabha MP on bribery charges

US seeks arrest of Cong Rajya Sabha MP on bribery charges

Rediff.com23 Apr 2014

The United States has requested India for "provisional arrest" of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao after he was indicted by an American court in an alleged international racketeering conspiracy involving bribes of USD 18.5 million (Rs 111.629 cr) for allowing mining of Titanium minerals in Andhra Pradesh.

Agri bills introduced in Rajya Sabha, Tomar says MSP will continue

Agri bills introduced in Rajya Sabha, Tomar says MSP will continue

Rediff.com20 Sep 2020

Days after their passage in the Lok Sabha, Tomar introduced the Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 in the Rajya Sabha.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

Rajya Sabha passes bill on rights of differently-abled

Rajya Sabha passes bill on rights of differently-abled

Rediff.com14 Dec 2016

The bill stipulates up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons

'This Reshuffle Is Classic Modi-Shah Showmanship'

'This Reshuffle Is Classic Modi-Shah Showmanship'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'If the BJP seriously addresses employment, examination integrity and systemic corruption, they might salvage their position. Otherwise, they are heading toward serious trouble in 2027.'

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a towering figure in the state's tribal movement, was cremated with full state honors in his native village of Nemra. Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the 'Dishom Guru,' including political leaders and villagers.

Communal row washes out Rajya Sabha proceedings for 3rd day

Communal row washes out Rajya Sabha proceedings for 3rd day

Rediff.com17 Dec 2014

The opposition stalled proceedings in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday over a repeated demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be called to the Upper House to make a statement on the conversion row that has hogged national headlines for the past few days.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Will form govt alone: AIADMK leader days after tie-up with BJP

Will form govt alone: AIADMK leader days after tie-up with BJP

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai has asserted that there will be no coalition government in Tamil Nadu in 2026, with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami forming a government "alone." He said this in response to reporters' queries on the possibility of a coalition government if the NDA wins the 2026 Assembly election. Thambidurai stated that Tamil Nadu has never had a coalition government, citing the examples of Congress leaders C Rajagopalachari and K Kamaraj, as well as Dravidian stalwarts M G Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. He further clarified that Palaniswami's previous statement regarding a coalition government was misinterpreted by the media.

Govt to push bills as Oppn seeks debate on Bihar SIR

Govt to push bills as Oppn seeks debate on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

The government is likely to push for the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, despite ongoing parliamentary disruptions due to opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Other bills are also listed for consideration.

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

In a major organisational revamp, the Congress on Friday appointed former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as general secretary in-charge of Punjab and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain as general secretary for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

'Opponents, not enemies': Fadnavis thanks Pawar, Uddhav for birthday praise

'Opponents, not enemies': Fadnavis thanks Pawar, Uddhav for birthday praise

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray for their positive remarks in a coffee table book released on his birthday, emphasizing that they are ideological opponents, not enemies.

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The Bill, passed by Parliament after heated debates, has been criticized by opposition parties as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, maintains that the reform will benefit the Muslim community. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill, alleging discrimination against Muslims and undermining their religious autonomy. The Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and introduces restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, which have raised concerns about the impact on the Muslim community.

Fierce debate in Rajya Sabha over AgustaWestland issue

Fierce debate in Rajya Sabha over AgustaWestland issue

Rediff.com5 May 2016

The AgustaWestland issue was fiercely debated in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday with members of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress blaming each other.

Bill to remove PM, CMs, ministers sent to parliamentary panel

Bill to remove PM, CMs, ministers sent to parliamentary panel

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday introduced three Bills in Lok Sabha for the removal of prime minister, chief ministers and ministers arrested on serious criminal charges for 30 days, drawing fierce protests from the Opposition as the draft laws were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament. Three House marshals formed a protective ring around Shah. Even after the House was adjourned, the Opposition members continued with the sloganeering.

Manipur situation not satisfactory, Shah tells Lok Sabha

Manipur situation not satisfactory, Shah tells Lok Sabha

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the situation in Manipur is largely under control, with no deaths reported in the last four months. However, he acknowledged that the situation cannot be considered satisfactory as displaced people are still living in relief camps. Shah attributed the violence to a high court decision regarding a reservation-related dispute, emphasizing that it was not terrorism-related but ethnic violence between two communities. He highlighted government efforts to establish peace, including discussions with both the Meitei and Kuki communities and a rehabilitation package for the displaced. While the opposition supported the resolution confirming the imposition of President's rule, they urged for a swift return to peace and normalcy in the state.

Modi recites Neeraj's poem to counter Kharge in RS

Modi recites Neeraj's poem to counter Kharge in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, saying the poem that Kharge recited to criticize the BJP government was written during the reign of Congress. Modi also read out a poem written by renowned Hindi poet Gopaldas Neeraj to attack the Congress.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over soaring prices of pulses, vegetables

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over soaring prices of pulses, vegetables

Rediff.com21 Jul 2016

As per latest government data, retail inflation inched up to a 22-month high of 5.77 per cent in June.

Dravidian parties spar in Rajya Sabha over river issues

Dravidian parties spar in Rajya Sabha over river issues

Rediff.com12 Aug 2016

When Vijila Sathyanath (AIADMK) rose to speak on her zero hour mention, DMK members, led by Tiruchi Siva and Kanimozhi, objected to it, saying she should not be allowed to raise the matter as their notices on the same issue were disallowed earlier.

Rajya Sabha passes Lokpal Bill, Lok Sabha to debate it tomorrow

Rajya Sabha passes Lokpal Bill, Lok Sabha to debate it tomorrow

Rediff.com17 Dec 2013

After much delay, the landmark Lokpal Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Rajya Sabha, marking a step closer to enactment of a new law under which an anti-corruption ombudsman would be set up.

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.

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Opposition parties allege the Modi government is attempting to turn India into a 'dictatorship' with the introduction of three Bills that seek to provide for removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and ministers arrested on serious charges, and vowed to oppose it 'tooth and nail'.

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee Harsh Mahajan won the February 27 election through draw of lots after both candidates secured 34 votes each

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Veteran politician Satyapal Malik, who served as governor of multiple states and later became a vocal critic of the government, has died at the age of 79.

'Language of troll': Oppn slams Modi's 'Muslims repair punctures' remark

'Language of troll': Oppn slams Modi's 'Muslims repair punctures' remark

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

'Such a remark does not behove the Prime Minister. Also, you have brought the country's youth to this point. There are no jobs. The only option is to fix punctures or sell fritters. Muslims don't just make punctures. I can list what Muslims have made'

Amid Parl ruckus, Rahul, Kharge attend Modi-led meet

Amid Parl ruckus, Rahul, Kharge attend Modi-led meet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

A committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to select the next chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi attended the meeting as leaders of the opposition in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha respectively. The post has been vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1. The committee, which selects the NHRC chief, is headed by the prime minister and includes the Lok Sabha Speaker, home minister, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, and deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha.

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Opposition walks out of RS over debate on duplicate voters

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India's Rajya Sabha, including the Congress and the TMC, walked out of the chamber after their demand for a discussion on the Election Commission's alleged lapses in issuing duplicate voter ID cards and delimitation was disallowed. The Deputy Chairman, Harivansh, rejected the notices under Rule 267, citing non-compliance with previous rulings. While TMC and Congress MPs focused on the duplicate voter ID issue, Tamil parties expressed concerns about the impact of delimitation on southern states. Despite raising slogans and pressing for a discussion, the opposition staged a walkout after their notices were rejected and their statements deemed not part of the official record.

BJP MP tables corrigendum to Waqf Bill report after dissent notes row

BJP MP tables corrigendum to Waqf Bill report after dissent notes row

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A corrigendum to the joint parliamentary committee report on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha after Opposition MPs alleged that dissent notes were redacted from the report. BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni tabled the corrigendum, which included the un-redacted dissent notes. The Opposition MPs, led by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, had earlier accused the government of misleading the House by deleting the dissent notes. The government, however, denied the allegations. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar thanked the government for the corrigendum, saying it showed that parliamentary institutions are blossoming. Opposition MPs, however, said it was done under their pressure.

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Patnaik steps in as anger over BJD's flipflop on Waqf continues

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

A section of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders in Odisha are expressing discontent over the party's decision to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The issue has sparked internal turmoil, with young leaders submitting a memorandum to party president Naveen Patnaik, urging him to address the situation. Patnaik has held meetings with senior leaders, assuring them that necessary action will be taken to mitigate the fallout and maintain the party's secular image.

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of harboring "hatred" towards B.R. Ambedkar, demanding an apology from him for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leaders pointed out that Shah's comments, which criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name by the opposition, demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards the architect of India's Constitution. The allegations sparked outrage among Congress members, who accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of disdain for Ambedkar. The incident has fueled political tensions, with the Congress vowing to hold Shah accountable for his remarks.

'Quit Rajya Sabha because I was told to stay away from Punjab'

'Quit Rajya Sabha because I was told to stay away from Punjab'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2016

The former cricketer reiterated his love for his state, saying he would choose it over any party or family.

Separatist mindset dominates DMK's model of politics: Sitharaman

Separatist mindset dominates DMK's model of politics: Sitharaman

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticizes the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, alleging corruption, caste-based crimes, and a rise in drug abuse. She dismisses the DMK's claims about language and Dravidian identity as a distraction from their governance failures.

Oppn outmanoeuvred by govt as mines, coal bills cleared in Rajya Sabha

Oppn outmanoeuvred by govt as mines, coal bills cleared in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Mar 2015

'The central learning of the day was that if the BJP leadership can cajole, coax and convince regional parties to vote for bills, it would not be a stretch to see the same votes cast in favour of the land bill,' a senior Congress leader from a northern state told Rediff.com

Rajya Sabha's first working day is a washout

Rajya Sabha's first working day is a washout

Rediff.com24 Feb 2016

Members of the BSP forced two adjournments of the Rajya Sabha till noon, creating uproar over the suicide of Dalit student, Rohith Vemula.

'Maunvrat, maunvrat': Tharoor evades question on Op Sindoor

'Maunvrat, maunvrat': Tharoor evades question on Op Sindoor

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Tharoor led a multi-party delegation, visiting various countries, to apprise the world about India's stand against cross-border terrorism following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation against the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Ex-SC judge will be INDIA bloc's VP candidate

Ex-SC judge will be INDIA bloc's VP candidate

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Former Supreme Court judge B Sudhershan Reddy is the joint candidate of the Opposition parties for the Vice-Presidential polls, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced.

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Kharge alleged that Dhankhar is working as a government spokesperson and acting like a school headmaster, often sermonising experienced opposition leaders and preventing them from speaking in the House.

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren is on ventilator support in critical condition. Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren was airlifted to Delhi after suffering a brain stroke.

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Showdown in Parliament over discussion on Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in the Indian Parliament walked out of the Rajya Sabha after their demand for an immediate discussion on the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh, where a stampede led to several deaths, was rejected. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, declined to suspend the scheduled business of the day to take up the issue, citing his previous rulings regarding notices under Rule 267.