News for 'Rajya Sabha the Congress'

Modi wishes Kharge 'fruitful tenure' as Congress president

Modi wishes Kharge 'fruitful tenure' as Congress president

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

Kharge was elected Congress president, defeating Shashi Tharoor in an electoral contest, the sixth in the party's 137-year-old history.

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Malik had served as the 18th governor of Goa between November 3, 2019, and August 18, 2020.

TMC gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

TMC gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded that the Election Commission (EC) accept its error in issuing duplicate voter card numbers within 24 hours, threatening to release more documents on the issue if the EC fails to do so. The party alleged that the EC issued the statement after the TMC announced it would hold a press conference on the issue, and termed it an "Epic Scam." The EC had said it would rectify the issue and update its technology-driven platform, but the TMC insists the EC must accept the error. The party also demanded an in-depth probe into the matter.

Lok Sabha to get LoP after 10 yrs, Opposition to push for dy speaker

Lok Sabha to get LoP after 10 yrs, Opposition to push for dy speaker

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The 17th Lok Sabha, which was dissolved on June 5, did not have a deputy speaker for its full term, and it was the second consecutive term of the lower house without an LoP.

Congress moves breach of privilege notice against Modi for Nehru surname remark

Congress moves breach of privilege notice against Modi for Nehru surname remark

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

Congress leader K C Venugopal on Friday gave Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on why former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's family did not use his surname.

HP crisis: BJP MLAs meet guv, says Cong govt in minority

HP crisis: BJP MLAs meet guv, says Cong govt in minority

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The Congress has 40 MLAs while the BJP has 25 in the 68-member state assembly. The remaining three seats are held by independents.

Discontent brews within Maharashtra's ruling alliance

Discontent brews within Maharashtra's ruling alliance

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Tensions are rising within the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra amid internal conflicts and open threats over unresolved issues like cabinet expansion and Rajya Sabha nominations.

Give us 2/3rds majority to amend Constitution: BJP MP

Give us 2/3rds majority to amend Constitution: BJP MP

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

Hegde said NDA winning more than 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would eventually help in mustering a similar majority in the Rajya Sabha, and coming to power in two-third of the states.

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged all political parties, including the Congress, to unite against anti-India forces, and raise their voice if they find their leaders working against the country's interest.

Herald case: Political damage fear drove YI, AJL donations, alleges ED

Herald case: Political damage fear drove YI, AJL donations, alleges ED

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that some Congress leaders pressured individuals to donate funds to the Young Indian and Associated Journals Limited (AJL) on instructions from senior party functionaries. The ED's chargesheet in the National Herald case claims that these individuals made payments to the company "under the influence" from senior leaders who promised them "certain favours" in party politics. The chargesheet, filed on April 9 before a local court, names Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as accused, along with five others, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency alleges that these donations were not made voluntarily but in expectation of political benefits. The ED also found that YI and AJL received funds from various entities through "quid pro quo" arrangements, where individuals were asked to make payments for advertisements in the National Herald in exchange for past favours from Congress leaders.

Kharge's 'thousands' killed in Kumbh stampede remark sparks row in Parl

Kharge's 'thousands' killed in Kumbh stampede remark sparks row in Parl

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

RS Chairman Dhankhar called Kharge making the claim a "very sad moment" and asked him to withdraw his statement, the Leader of Opposition insisted the government give the correct figures and continued with his speech.

'Malicious lies': Modi reacts to row over Shah's remark on Ambedkar

'Malicious lies': Modi reacts to row over Shah's remark on Ambedkar

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday vehemently defended Home Minister Amit Shah against the Congress' accusation that he insulted B.R. Ambedkar in a Rajya Sabha speech. Modi asserted that Shah had actually exposed the Congress' "dark history of insulting" the architect of the Indian Constitution. The prime minister went on to detail a litany of actions by the Congress party that he claimed demonstrated their disrespect for Ambedkar, including denying him a Bharat Ratna and preventing his portrait from being displayed in Parliament's Central Hall. He also criticized the Congress for failing to address the plight of marginalized communities during their time in power. Modi highlighted the efforts of his government in implementing Ambedkar's vision and honoring his legacy.

5-time MP Pappu Yadav merges party with Congress, swears by Rahul

5-time MP Pappu Yadav merges party with Congress, swears by Rahul

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

Jan Adhikar Party leader Pappu Yadav joined the Congress on Wednesday and announced the merger of his outfit.

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

By naming a sworn swayamsevak for vice president, the Modi-Shah duo have sent out a clear and positive message to Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters is located, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

2 more BJP MPs included in 'one nation, one poll' JPC

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The government has moved to increase the strength of the joint committee of Parliament that will scrutinise the two bills proposing simultaneous elections from 31 MPs to 39, giving representation to more parties.

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai's symbolic gesture of hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon-chillies) on a toy jet, mocking the Centre's alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has triggered a political storm. The BJP has condemned the act, calling it an insult to the armed forces. Rai, however, maintained that he was merely highlighting the government's delay in utilizing the Rafale jets. The controversy comes amidst a heated debate over the government's response to the recent terror attack.

Not just LS, RS too to see polls to 68 seats this year

Not just LS, RS too to see polls to 68 seats this year

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

Sixty-eight Rajya Sabha members, including nine Union ministers, are completing their tenure this year, triggering a race of sorts among leaders across political parties to eye a six-year term in the Upper House of Parliament.

Hasina in shock, govt giving her time: Jaishankar

Hasina in shock, govt giving her time: Jaishankar

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Jaishankar briefed the leaders of all parties about the situation in the violence-hit nation and the steps taken by the Indian government.

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Indian government does not track the number of undocumented Indian immigrants residing in the US. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, said these immigrants have "legally exited India" but have either overstayed their visa validity, or have entered the US illegally or without valid documents. The response comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the US, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump. The two leaders are likely to discuss India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology and immigration.

More INDIA parties want Cong to pass on leadership

More INDIA parties want Cong to pass on leadership

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday asserted that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee should be allowed to lead the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

Will BCCI let Binny remain president until 75?

Will BCCI let Binny remain president until 75?

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

The incumbent BCCI president Roger Binny turned 70 on Saturday but there is no immediate clarity on whether he would be continuing till the AGM in September or demit office with immediate effect with vice-president Rajeev Shukla taking charge as the interim head.

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

UP's representation in the government could diminish, given the BJP's decreased seat count in that state.

Passing Contentious Bills Will Be Tough For NDA

Passing Contentious Bills Will Be Tough For NDA

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

BJP will find it tougher to push contentious Bills, especially those that would require Constitutional amendments, without the support of its allies and cooperation from the Opposition.

Lok Sabha may see election for Speaker's post for 1st time since Independence

Lok Sabha may see election for Speaker's post for 1st time since Independence

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Since Independence, Lok Sabha Speakers have been chosen by consensus.

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The 21-month-long Emergency also saw the government amend the Constitution several times, including to keep the elections to the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker beyond the scrutiny of courts and insert the words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' in the Preamble.

No pension for MLAs who defect: Himachal passes new bill

No pension for MLAs who defect: Himachal passes new bill

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

Himachal is first state in the country to pass such a bill under which "A person shall not be entitled for pension under the Act, if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution".

42 MPs lose membership since 1988, 14th Lok Sabha records highest number

42 MPs lose membership since 1988, 14th Lok Sabha records highest number

Rediff.com7 May 2023

The Act deals with automatic disqualification of MPs and state legislators upon being convicted and sentenced for two years or more in a criminal case.

Opposition forces repeated Parliament adjournments over NEET issue

Opposition forces repeated Parliament adjournments over NEET issue

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The opposition caused repeated disruptions in Parliament Friday over the NEET paper leak issue, with both Houses being adjourned for the day without transacting much business apart from the Rajya Sabha taking up the Motion of Thanks for the President's address amid protests including by the Biju Janata Dal, which almost always supported the BJP in the previous Lok Sabha.

When didi is here...: Mamata won't implement Waqf Act in Bengal

When didi is here...: Mamata won't implement Waqf Act in Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Banerjee said she will protect the minority people and their property.

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.

Nehru-Gandhi family surrendered Indian interests: BJP slams Rahul

Nehru-Gandhi family surrendered Indian interests: BJP slams Rahul

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi for his 'surrender' barb at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it is not only a grave insult to the armed forces and country but also no less than treason.

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

NCP turns down MoS post, awaits cabinet berth

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday turned down the Bharatiya Janata Party's offer to accommodate Praful Patel as a minister of state with independent charge in the new National Democratic Alliance government and said it was assured that 'remedial measures' would be taken.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag -Rajouri constituency, his party Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) said.

Odisha girl set afire by 3 dies after fortnight-long battle for life

Odisha girl set afire by 3 dies after fortnight-long battle for life

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

A 15-year-old girl in Odisha, India, has died after allegedly being set on fire by unidentified assailants. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted investigations by local authorities.

'Help strengthen...': Modi lauds Manmohan Singh in RS farewell speech

'Help strengthen...': Modi lauds Manmohan Singh in RS farewell speech

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

Manmohan Singh came to vote in the Rajya Sabha on a wheelchair to help strengthen democracy, Modi said.

'This is dhokha': No PDA between SP, Apna Dal-K over Jaya's RS ticket

'This is dhokha': No PDA between SP, Apna Dal-K over Jaya's RS ticket

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

Against the Samajwadi Party's decision to field actor Jaya Bachchan and retired IAS officer Alok Ranjan as its candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) leader and party MLA Pallavi Patel on Wednesday said she will not cast her vote.

Will quit if it makes LoP happy but....: Shah clarifies on Ambedkar remark

Will quit if it makes LoP happy but....: Shah clarifies on Ambedkar remark

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments on B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, saying the opposition party launched a malicious campaign after a parliamentary discussion "established" the Congress as being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-reservation." Shah defended his remarks, stating his address was clear and without confusion, and that his party would explore all legal options against the Congress for misrepresenting his comments. He also accused the Congress of insulting V.D. Savarkar, crushing constitutional values by imposing Emergency, and humiliating soldiers who laid down their lives.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Not in sync with...: Dhankhar writes to Kharge on Parl disruptions

Not in sync with...: Dhankhar writes to Kharge on Parl disruptions

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

The three frenetic weeks of the Parliament's Winter session saw a security breach in the Lok Sabha, suspension of 146 MPs and the expulsion of Trinamool Congress member Mahua Moitra in the "bribe-for-query" case.