News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Private guards at Ttrinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, his supporters and some party leaders on Thursday scuffled with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, trying to prevent them from entering the building on Camac Street and dismantling an "unauthorised" billboard.

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.'

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.

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.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

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.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Opposition parties disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, leading to multiple adjournments. Protests focused on the alleged NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft issues, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The House was eventually adjourned for the day after repeated appeals for order failed.

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.

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.

NEET row rocks Parliament for fourth day, deadlock deepens

NEET row rocks Parliament for fourth day, deadlock deepens

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Parliament proceedings were stalled for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday as loud protests by an unrelenting opposition over the NEET paper leak and demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation reverberated in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leading to adjournment of the two Houses for the day without transacting any business.

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.

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

SC judge recuses from lawmakers' criminal cases PIL; fresh bench to hear plea

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has formally appealed to the Election Commission, demanding an immediate reversal of the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, labelling the decision as 'egregious' and a 'subversion of democracy'.

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Here are who's who attending the wedding.

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.

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.

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.

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.com5 May 2026

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.

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.

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

'Mamata Banerjee Will Go To Jail'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'You think it is written somewhere that she will not? She might escape for two months, perhaps a little longer. But she will go.'

'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.

Essel Group's Subhash Chandra calls for independent audit of debt, claims Rs 43,000 crore repaid

Essel Group's Subhash Chandra calls for independent audit of debt, claims Rs 43,000 crore repaid

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Essel Group founder Subhash Chandra has called for an independent audit to examine the group's borrowings, defaults, and repayments, stating that approximately 43,000 crore of its 45,000 crore total debt has been repaid.

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.

Rajya Sabha Fellowships on Parliamentary Studies

Rajya Sabha Fellowships on Parliamentary Studies

Rediff.com12 May 2009

pplications are invited for the Dr S Radhakrishnan Chair and two Rajya Sabha Fellowships on Parliamentary Studies instituted by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Rajya Sabha chairman rejects Mallya's resignation

Rajya Sabha chairman rejects Mallya's resignation

Rediff.com3 May 2016

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, facing a case of loan default of over Rs 9,400 crore, is all set to be expelled from the Rajya Sabha as Chairman Hamid Ansari on Tuesday turned down his resignation on procedural grounds.

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three BJP candidates have been declared elected unopposed in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress party has moved the Supreme Court against the rejection of its candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination.

Rajya Sabha proceedings extended by a day

Rajya Sabha proceedings extended by a day

Rediff.com7 Jan 2019

The government now seeks to bring a constitutional amendment bill in this regard in Lok Sabha on Tuesday and in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, for which the session has been extended.

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'We can never trust the BJP when it comes to elections.'

SC stays Rajya Sabha elections

SC stays Rajya Sabha elections

Rediff.com4 Jun 2004

It also made the EC a party to a petition filed by former Rajya Sabha member Kuldeep Nayar challenging recent amendments to the election procedure.

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has summoned officials from the Union Education Ministry, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the CBI to address concerns regarding the conduct of examinations.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh revealed in a podcast interview that his decision to switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from the AAP government's alleged neglect of his concerns regarding drug abuse and sports promotion in Punjab.

Rajya Sabha adjourns briefly

Rajya Sabha adjourns briefly

Rediff.com21 Nov 2007

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned briefly on Wednesday after members disrupted proceedings over a reply by Home Minister Shivraj Patil on terrorism emanating from Bangladesh.

Delhi services bill introduced in Rajya Sabha

Delhi services bill introduced in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com7 Aug 2023

Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for consideration after the Upper House, which was adjourned earlier in the pre-lunch session, reassembled at 2 pm.

Naveen Patnaik announces four BJD candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Naveen Patnaik announces four BJD candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com29 May 2022

The announcement came on a day that marks the third anniversary of the Naveen Patnaik-led government's fifth tenure in the state.

12% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires, AP, T'gana top table: Report

12% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires, AP, T'gana top table: Report

Rediff.com18 Aug 2023

The total assets of seven Members of Parliament analysed from Telangana is Rs 5,596 crore, that of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh is Rs 3,823 crore, and 30 MPs analysed from Uttar Pradesh have total assets worth Rs 1,941 crore.

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee S Selvaganapathy was declared elected unopposed to the lone seat in Rajya Sabha from Puducherry, the first time the saffron party has got representation in the Upper House from the Union Territory, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's two nominees, Kanimozhi N V N Somu and K R N Rajeshkumar, were elected without contest from Tamil Nadu.

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.