News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Veteran journalist HK Dua, media advisor to 2 PMs, passes away

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Eminent journalist HK Dua, who led editorial operations at three of India's leading newspapers, has died at the age of 88. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and served as media advisor to two prime ministers.

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.

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.

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.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com2 days ago

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, signalling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

DMK, Congress seal seat deal, end alliance buzz in Tamil Nadu

DMK, Congress seal seat deal, end alliance buzz in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Allies DMK and Congress have finalised their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, resolving earlier tensions over power-sharing demands.

BJP cracks whip ahead of women's quota push in Parliament

BJP cracks whip ahead of women's quota push in Parliament

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs, requiring their presence during the extended Budget session of Parliament, where amendments to the Women's Reservation Act are expected to be considered.

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.

Hearing Deferred In Sanjay Singh Model Code Violation Case

Hearing Deferred In Sanjay Singh Model Code Violation Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur deferred the hearing in a model code of conduct violation case involving AAP leader Sanjay Singh due to the investigating officer's absence. The next hearing is scheduled for May 14.

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.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

Modi invokes Emergency in Rajya Sabha speech, Opposition walks out

Modi invokes Emergency in Rajya Sabha speech, Opposition walks out

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday took the Congress to the cleaners over making the 2024 general elections about the protection of the Constitution, saying Indians voted on the plank only once when they threw out the Indira Gandhi government in 1977 after the Emergency.

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Why West Bengal Is Reducing Security For Key Figures

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The West Bengal government has further scaled down security arrangements for several political leaders, former officials, and other prominent individuals after a review of threat perceptions.

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has joined the Janata Dal (United) and committed to strengthening the party's organisation. His entry into politics sparks speculation about a future role in the state government.

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.

Nirmala, Kharge spar in Rajya Sabha over 'weak women' remark

Nirmala, Kharge spar in Rajya Sabha over 'weak women' remark

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Rajya Sabha witnessed heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge made remarks on the manner in which political parties select women candidates from weaker sections and raised the issue of 'delayed' GST payments to non-Bharatiya Janata Party ruled states.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

BJP leads with 20 Rajya Sabha MPs among 41 elected unopposed

BJP leads with 20 Rajya Sabha MPs among 41 elected unopposed

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP chief J P Nadda and new party entrant Ashok Chavan and Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and L Murugan were among the 41 candidates elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha on Tuesday while Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh will witness polling on February 27.

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.

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 crore for the functioning of both Houses of Parliament, with specific provisions for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and related secretariats.

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

West Bengal BJP Promises Investors A Fearless Environment

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya advocated a new land policy to facilitate large-scale industrialisation and assured investors of a 'fearless' environment in the state.

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

JD-U lawmakers voiced their concerns over Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, while also welcoming the imminent political debut of his son, Nishant, amidst speculation about the future leadership of the state.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

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.

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Rediff.com5 days ago

Work has commenced on restoring the North and South Blocks to their original design, paving the way for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum project, with a target completion date for the first phase set for 2028.

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.

Rajya Sabha passes Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill

Rajya Sabha passes Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday gave its green light to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023. This Bill introduces significant amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act. These modifications aim to enhance the transparency and accountability of these cooperatives' operations in a bid to improve governance.

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A POCSO case has been filed against a VHP leader and a film director, among others, following a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.

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.

'Opportunistic tilt': DMK attacks Cong after shock tie-up with Vijay

'Opportunistic tilt': DMK attacks Cong after shock tie-up with Vijay

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The DMK has strongly criticised the Congress party for exiting their alliance in Tamil Nadu, accusing them of betrayal and opportunistic behaviour. The DMK claims the Congress has undermined the stability of the state government and risked the progress made in the last five years.

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.

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.

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 clocks 99.80% productivity in Budget Session

Rajya Sabha clocks 99.80% productivity in Budget Session

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

This is the Upper House's third best productive session in the last 14 sessions since the Monsoon Session (243rd Session) of 2017, the Rajya Sabha officials said.

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com2 days ago

The dramatic development marked the culmination of a revolt that began with allegations of forged signatures on a letter proposing a Leader of Opposition and snowballed into an open challenge to the party leadership following the TMC's defeat at the hands of the BJP in the assembly elections.

Time has come to implement Women's Reservation Act: Modi writes to floor leaders

Time has come to implement Women's Reservation Act: Modi writes to floor leaders

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is advocating for the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections, urging all members of Parliament to support amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam during a special session.

Rajya Sabha polls may see Congress increase its tally to 33

Rajya Sabha polls may see Congress increase its tally to 33

Rediff.com25 May 2022

The Congress is likely to get 11 Rajya Sabha seats in the upcoming election cycle with some of its top leaders, including P Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh, eyeing another term.

TMC Claims Workers Attacked In Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal

TMC Claims Workers Attacked In Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The TMC has dispatched fact-finding teams to investigate alleged post-poll violence against its workers in West Bengal, accusing BJP-backed individuals of carrying out attacks and intimidation.

AAP may nominate Harbhajan for Rajya Sabha

AAP may nominate Harbhajan for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com16 Mar 2022

AAP would like to send an icon from the state to the Upper House of Parliament and one of the foremost names to have emerged is that of 41-year-old off-spinner.