News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

On Friday, April 10, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Nitish Kumar as Bihar's elected Rajya Sabha MP at Parliament House, New Delhi.

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Harivansh has been re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed, marking his third term in the position.

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs have officially merged with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha, reducing AAP's strength in the Upper House. The move increases the BJP's presence and has been criticised by AAP as unconstitutional.

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has nominated Sanjay Bhatia, its former MP from Karnal, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha poll from Haryana. This decision comes as two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana are set to fall vacant, prompting elections scheduled for March 16.

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, resign from the party, with some reportedly joining the BJP.

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Opposition had the numbers to win one Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. As it turned out, four MLAs skipped the voting, helping the NDA to sweep the polls.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Will Nitish Kumar file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday morning?

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat to remove Raghav Chadha as the party's deputy leader in the House, proposing Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement, amidst Chadha's absence from key party events and prolonged silence on AAP matters.

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The TMC has written to the Election Commission alleging procedural irregularities in the scrutiny of nomination papers of BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate Rahul Sinha, claiming discrepancies in his election affidavit were overlooked.

Advantage BJP in March 16 Rajya Sabha polls to 37 seats

Advantage BJP in March 16 Rajya Sabha polls to 37 seats

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Rajya Sabha elections 2024, setting the stage for polls to fill 37 seats across 10 states on March 16.

Why Rajya Sabha Chairman Rejected Opposition Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Why Rajya Sabha Chairman Rejected Opposition Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan rejected the opposition's motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing a lack of evidence of misbehaviour and the fact that some charges are under judicial review.

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Former Indian football captain I.M. Vijayan has declined offers from multiple political parties to contest in the upcoming elections, but would consider a Rajya Sabha nomination.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

TMC Nominates Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha

TMC Nominates Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick.

CPR Takes Charge As Rajya Sabha Chairman

CPR Takes Charge As Rajya Sabha Chairman

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

C P Radhakrishnan formally assumed charge as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha after being sworn in as India's 15th Vice President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 government Bills pending, with the oldest dating back to 1992. These bills cover a range of issues including population control, rent control, seed quality, migrant workers, and tribal autonomy.

How Did Rajya Sabha Perform Under Dhankhar?

How Did Rajya Sabha Perform Under Dhankhar?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

His term saw the lowest average of 57 hours.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Kamal Haasan sworn in as Rajya Sabha MP

Kamal Haasan sworn in as Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, along with three other newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs from Tamil Nadu, took oath as members of the House.

MHA notifies resignation of Dhankhar; Rajya Sabha informed

MHA notifies resignation of Dhankhar; Rajya Sabha informed

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Rajya Sabha was informed about the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification regarding the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, with immediate effect.

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Arora will have to resign from the Rajya Sabha if he wins the bypoll, the date for which is yet to be announced.

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Miam at a public meeting in Madurai in 2018.

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

One Rajya Sabha seat is a small price to pay for all the skills that Kamal Haasan brings to the table, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com2 days ago

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Rajya Sabha session was marred by heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches regarding the deployment of security personnel in the House. The session was adjourned amidst protests and accusations of undemocratic conduct.

'Nitinji, We Have Left AAP, Want To Join BJP'

'Nitinji, We Have Left AAP, Want To Join BJP'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

In a dramatic development on Friday, April 24, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The opposition parties in India have announced a boycott of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election, citing the Modi government's failure to appoint a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years and lack of consultation.

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party has petitioned for the disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP, citing violation of the anti-defection law and betrayal of the people's mandate.

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament, witnessed its second-longest sitting in history on Thursday, lasting until 4:02 am the next day. The House convened to clear the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and approve the statutory resolution on the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. The longest sitting in Rajya Sabha history occurred on September 17, 1981, when the House sat until 4:43 am to pass the Essential Services Maintenance Bill.

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hailed the party's performance in the Gujarat and Punjab bypolls, calling them a 'semi-final to 2027' and a clear sign that voters would reject both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.' 'Internal fighting strengthens our enemies and provides material to divide us.'

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to achieve a clear majority in Rajya Sabha after bye-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month, which would help the party get the nod for key legislations such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Punjab police registered two FIRs under sections for non-bailable offences against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. Both FIRs were filed in different districts of Punjab.

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has been admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai for a health check-up.

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Harivansh is likely to be elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman for a third term as the opposition has decided to boycott the election in protest.

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has reportedly withdrawn the security cover for Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh after he switched from AAP to BJP. This follows protests by AAP workers outside the residences of Singh and other defectors.