News for 'Rajya Sabha'

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

CEC row: Opposition parties to march to SC on Monday to meet CJI

Rediff.com3 days ago

Opposition parties, led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, plan to march to the Supreme Court on Monday to meet the Chief Justice of India. They aim to submit a memorandum regarding alleged 'vote chori' and demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, halting of SIR, and a return to paper ballots. The protest follows widespread detentions during previous demonstrations, which the opposition condemns as an assault on democracy.

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, including Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and, within hours, were named the saffron party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal, underlining both their political rehabilitation and the party's calibrated shift in inducting leaders from the erstwhile ruling dispensation.

Gehlot, Vasundhara, Bommai, BSY Vote In Rajya Sabha Poll

Gehlot, Vasundhara, Bommai, BSY Vote In Rajya Sabha Poll

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

Polling for 16 Rajya Sabha seats in the four states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka was held on Friday, June 10, 2022, amid allegations of attempts at horse-trading by rival parties.

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, which was dismissed due to alleged concealment of information in her election affidavit.

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Opposition parties in India are demanding the impeachment and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging he is running the poll panel as a 'one-man autocracy' following revelations that two Election Commissioners red-flagged issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

TMC nominates Sushmita Dev to Rajya Sabha

TMC nominates Sushmita Dev to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com14 Sep 2021

Dev, who was one of the national spokespersons of the grand-old party and its women's wing chief, switched over to the Mamata Banerjee-led camp last month.

SC grants more time to Centre on Delhi protest petitions

SC grants more time to Centre on Delhi protest petitions

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has granted the Centre an extension until October 15 to file its response on petitions concerning the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services in Delhi during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court also deferred a crucial hearing, issued notice on a petition challenging the immunity of election commissioners, and sought a Delhi Police officer's presence regarding alleged assaults on women journalists. Earlier, the court had directed authorities to ensure normal public transport and prevent unlawful detentions.

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties have submitted notices in the Rajya Sabha demanding an urgent discussion on the alleged use of force, including pellet guns, against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue. They are seeking accountability from the Home Minister and Prime Minister regarding the police action and alleged assault on protesters and journalists.

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party's latest financial disclosures reveal a substantial 68% decline in contributions for 2025-26.

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the constitutional validity of the 2018 amendment to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The amendment had restored restrictions on anticipatory bail and removed requirements for preliminary inquiry and prior approval before arrest. The court cited its 2020 verdict which had already upheld these amended provisions, rejecting arguments about potential misuse and "reverse discrimination."

Won't back down till Gyanesh Kumar goes: CJP

Won't back down till Gyanesh Kumar goes: CJP

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has reiterated the outfit's demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, alleging the exclusion of 13 crore names from electoral rolls and questioning the BJP's defence of Kumar. The CJP plans a nationwide protest starting October 2, vowing not to back down until Kumar resigns, and has launched the 'Election Commission Thik Karo' campaign. Ranka also accused the CEC of fraudulently redrawing constituencies in Assam to benefit the ruling party.

Before Prahaar, Legal Dramas That Put Real Life Lawyers In The Spotlight

Before Prahaar, Legal Dramas That Put Real Life Lawyers In The Spotlight

Rediff.com21 hours ago

From Shahid to Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, these films bring real-life lawyers, landmark courtroom battles and extraordinary fights for justice to the screen.

Dhankhar objects to criticism of RSS in Rajya Sabha

Dhankhar objects to criticism of RSS in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday defended Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the House saying it has 'unimpeachable credentials' and is doing 'national service', as he took umbrage to remarks by a Samajwadi Party MP.

Another day of washout at Rajya Sabha

Another day of washout at Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

The Rajya Sabha proceeding washed out completely on Wednesday and was adjourned for the day amid continued protest by the Opposition parties led by the Congress over price rise and levy of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on daily essentials.

Former Goa CM Faleiro quits as TMC's Rajya Sabha MP

Former Goa CM Faleiro quits as TMC's Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

Trinamool Congress's (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP and former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro has tendered his resignation from the Upper House of Parliament, party sources said on Tuesday.

Akhilesh's party chief whip resigns amid voting for Rajya Sabha polls

Akhilesh's party chief whip resigns amid voting for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

Akhilesh Yadav said those who are looking for "profit" in the situation will leave.

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the repeated disruptions of parliamentary proceedings, stating that due to the turmoil in the House, the country has been unable to listen to the talented MPs elected in recent times.

Is Priyanka Chaturvedi Secretly Negotiating With The BJP? She Says...

Is Priyanka Chaturvedi Secretly Negotiating With The BJP? She Says...

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'The made-up stories really angered me. Forget angering me, it actually made me feel, okay, if they want to play this game, let me play along.'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Govt to bring Delhi services bill in Rajya Sabha on Monday

Govt to bring Delhi services bill in Rajya Sabha on Monday

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi is likely to initiate the debate from the opposition side, the sources said.

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has dismissed allegations of 'seat theft' in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, asserting that Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was deliberately undermined by her own party leaders who were vying for the same seat.

Monsoon session of Parliament to begin from July 20

Monsoon session of Parliament to begin from July 20

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Monsoon Session of Parliament for 2026 is scheduled from July 20 to August 13, with significant political developments expected following recent assembly poll results and internal party rebellions. The session will see the ruling NDA's strengthened position in the Rajya Sabha and potential redrafting of a key Constitution amendment bill.

Rajya Sabha chairman takes trial of Monsoon Session

Rajya Sabha chairman takes trial of Monsoon Session

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

As the members of the Rajya Sabha will be seated at multiple locations, including the galleries of the House and in the Lok Sabha, a hotline facility between the chambers of the two Houses has been created for the technology-aided session.

Adanis deny being in the race for Rajya Sabha

Adanis deny being in the race for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com15 May 2022

For several months, there has been speculation among political circles in Amaravati that Priti Adani was most likely to be given one of the four Rajya Sabha seats on behalf of the ruling YSRC.

Manipur: INDIA MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha during Question Hour

Manipur: INDIA MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha during Question Hour

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

The Congress' chief whip Jairam Ramesh, said, 'Today, too, the INDIA parties demanded the prime minister's presence in the Rajya Sabha to make a statement on Manipur, to be followed by a discussion.'

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

Swapan Dasgupta tenders resignation as Rajya Sabha member

Swapan Dasgupta tenders resignation as Rajya Sabha member

Rediff.com16 Mar 2021

Sources stated that the move comes even as Trinamool Congress has attempted to stir a controversy over Dasgupta's candidature. BJP has fielded Swapan Dasgupta from Tarakeswar Assembly constituency in Hoogly district.

How Ancy Sojan's Asian Games Silver United A Family And Ignited New Dreams

How Ancy Sojan's Asian Games Silver United A Family And Ignited New Dreams

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Long jumper Ancy Sojan secured a silver medal for India at the Asian Games, bringing immense joy to her family in Nattika, Keralam, despite initial hopes for gold. Her parents, Sojan and Jansy, expressed happiness over the medal but noted that adverse weather conditions impacted her performance. The family now aims for Ancy to compete at the World Championship level.

Chidambaram, Sibal among 41 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Chidambaram, Sibal among 41 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

P Chidambaram and Rajeev Shukla of the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party's Sumitra Valmiki and Kavita Patidar, former Congress leader Kapil Sibal, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Misa Bharti and Jayant Chaudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal were among the 41 winners declared elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha.

Nishad disqualified from Rajya Sabha

Nishad disqualified from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Mar 2008

Nishad had campaigned for the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the assembly elections in Bihar in 2005 despite being a member of the BJP, which had prompted party member Sushma Swaraj to file a disqualification petition against him in December that year. Ansari disagreed with Nishad's contention that he had tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party on 18 October, 2005 'in an agitated mental condition', which he later withdrew by a letter dated 17 Nov '05.

Rahul draws red line: 'Protest ends only with Gyanesh Kumar's exit'

Rahul draws red line: 'Protest ends only with Gyanesh Kumar's exit'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rahul Gandhi led INDIA bloc leaders in a surprise dharna near Jantar Mantar, protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. For the second consecutive day, police detained Gandhi and other opposition MPs, stalling their planned demonstration. The protest saw dramatic moments, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lying on the street, as leaders vowed to continue their fight for electoral integrity.

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.

Deve Gowda, Kharge unanimously elected to Rajya Sabha

Deve Gowda, Kharge unanimously elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jun 2020

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Secretary M K Vishalakshi, who is the returning officer for the Rajya Sabha polls, declared the 'unanimous election' of Gowda and Kharge from the Janta Dal-Secular and the Congress respectively, and BJP's Iranna Kadadi and Ashok Gasti, with no extra candidate in the fray.

Vijay Mallya resigns from Rajya Sabha

Vijay Mallya resigns from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 May 2016

Vijay Mallya, facing a case of loan default of over Rs 9,400 crore, on Monday resigned from Rajya Sabha.

3 BJP allies seek clarity on controversy involving CEC

3 BJP allies seek clarity on controversy involving CEC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Three BJP allies, including LJP (Ram Vilas), TDP, and RLM, have called on the Election Commission for a clearer explanation regarding concerns raised by two Election Commissioners over the voter list revision process. Union Minister Chirag Paswan warned that public faith in elections was at stake, while the EC asserted that differing views among its members were normal and final decisions were unanimous.

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Amid sweltering October heat in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray turns up the heat against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, hinting obliquely about Nuremberg-like trials once the wheels of electoral fortune change.

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

Rediff.com3 days ago

Several protesters, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, were detained in Delhi as the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation entered its second day on Sunday. Protesters alleged manhandling by security personnel, while police maintained extensive security arrangements, detaining thousands over the weekend.

G-23 leaders among possible Congress nominees for Rajya Sabha

G-23 leaders among possible Congress nominees for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 May 2022

Senior leader P Chidambaram whose Rajya Sabha tenure is ending from Maharashtra is under consideration from Tamil Nadu as the Congress is all set to get the support of alliance partner the DMK. The G-23 leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Vivek Tankha, are also said to be in contention.