News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Protests over price rise wash out Rajya Sabha proceedings

Protests over price rise wash out Rajya Sabha proceedings

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

In the Upper House of Parliament, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu did not allow adjournment notices moved by opposition members on the issue of price rise, prompting members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Shiv Sena to create an uproar.

Congress wiped out as BJP poised for unopposed RS win in Gujarat

Congress wiped out as BJP poised for unopposed RS win in Gujarat

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

All four BJP candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat, with their victory appearing certain as the Congress is not contesting. This outcome means the Congress will lose its sole representative from Gujarat in the Upper House, Shaktisinh Gohil, whose term is ending. The BJP's strong majority in the state assembly ensures an unopposed win for its candidates.

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.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Arvind Kejriwal issued SIR notices; CM's vote validated

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Arvind Kejriwal issued SIR notices; CM's vote validated

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Delhi poll body has issued notices to several prominent voters, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, for discrepancies in their enumeration forms during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. While Gupta's entry has been validated, millions of other voters, including other political figures, have received notices for issues like age-related mismatches or being unmapped with previous SIR records, requiring them to submit documents by October 29.

BJP may send Jaishankar to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat

BJP may send Jaishankar to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat

Rediff.com3 Jun 2019

Two Rajya Sabha MPs from Gujarat -- BJP president Amit Shah, now Home Minister, and Smriti Irani, who has got the women and child development ministry -- have won the Lok Sabha polls, thus creating two vacancies in the Upper House of Parliament from the state.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Disha Salian CBI probe a conspiracy against Thackeray family: Raut

Disha Salian CBI probe a conspiracy against Thackeray family: Raut

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused the Centre of orchestrating a political conspiracy through the CBI's FIR in the Disha Salian death case. Raut claims the probe is designed to tarnish the Thackeray family's reputation and target Aaditya Thackeray, linking it to broader political manoeuvres and an ongoing Supreme Court case.

PM takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

PM takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Rediff.com17 Jun 2013

80-year-old Singh, who is the Leader of the Upper House, was recently elected a member of Rajya Sabha from Assam for the fifth consecutive term.

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.

Winter session: Productivity of Lok Sabha at 82%, Rajya Sabha at 48%

Winter session: Productivity of Lok Sabha at 82%, Rajya Sabha at 48%

Rediff.com22 Dec 2021

The parliamentary affairs minister also said the productivity of Lok Sabha was around 82 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha around 48 per cent.

Mayawati's family succession plan for BSP: Ishan in, Akash and Deepika out

Mayawati's family succession plan for BSP: Ishan in, Akash and Deepika out

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

BSP supremo Mayawati has announced a definitive decision regarding the involvement of her brother Anand Kumar's children in the party. She stated that only Ishan Anand would be given a role, while Akash Anand and Deepika Anand would be kept away. Mayawati cited Akash Anand's conduct and his father-in-law's influence as reasons for his exclusion, emphasising her commitment to the party's integrity and following the principles of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

Harbhajan, Chadha among 5 AAP candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Harbhajan, Chadha among 5 AAP candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

The Aam Aadmi Party has nominated former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Lovely Professional University founder Ashok Mittal, AAP MLA Raghav Chadha, IIT Delhi faculty Sandeep Pathak and industrialist Sanjeev Arora for the March 31 Rajya Sabha polls.

IOA welcomes Tendulkar's nomination to Rajya Sabha

IOA welcomes Tendulkar's nomination to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Apr 2012

Indian Olympic Association welcomed the government's nomination of Sachin Tendulkar for a Rajya Sabha seat, saying the IOA is happy that its long-standing demand to include sportspersons in the Upper House has been accepted.

Goyal appointed Deputy Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Goyal appointed Deputy Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com12 Jun 2019

The two-time Rajya Sabha MP will be succeeding Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who has been elected to the Lok Sabha.

Sena MP moves NCW against Sanjay Raut over abusive language

Sena MP moves NCW against Sanjay Raut over abusive language

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Jyoti Waghmare has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) against UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut, alleging continuous use of abusive language and public insult of women representatives. Waghmare has sought the registration of a criminal case against Raut, citing his conduct over the past four years and its negative impact on Maharashtra's political culture.

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the BJP of orchestrating 'Operation Lotus' to induce defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led party, citing recent resignations and meetings of dissident MPs as evidence of an organised attempt to weaken the TMC.

Rajya Sabha marshals get military-style uniform

Rajya Sabha marshals get military-style uniform

Rediff.com18 Nov 2019

The marshals wore a blue uniform with a military-style peak cap and stripes on shoulders. In summers, the marshals are likely to wear white uniforms which have a resemblance to the uniform of the Indian Navy.

Farooq Abdullah elected to Rajya Sabha

Farooq Abdullah elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Feb 2009

According to the returning officer, former chief minister and NC president, Dr Farooq Abdullah polled 27 votes while as Mohammad Shafi Uri got 25 votes in the third and final round of elections, held through Single Transferable Vote System.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Javdekar files Rajya Sabha nomination from MP

Javdekar files Rajya Sabha nomination from MP

Rediff.com7 Jun 2014

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Saturday filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, which goes to polls on June 19.

Rajya Sabha takes up Reservation Bill

Rajya Sabha takes up Reservation Bill

Rediff.com22 Dec 2005

Human Resources Minister Arjun Singh said it was passed by Lok Sabha with 'near consensus' and hoped that the Upper House too will follow suit.

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.

Productivity of Lok Sabha in Winter Session 47%, Rajya Sabha 27%

Productivity of Lok Sabha in Winter Session 47%, Rajya Sabha 27%

Rediff.com10 Jan 2019

According to data collated by think-tank PRS Legislative Research, productivity of Parliament during the session was the 'third lowest' in the 16th Lok Sabha.

Delhi jails near 200% capacity as India's prison occupancy crosses 112%

Delhi jails near 200% capacity as India's prison occupancy crosses 112%

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

India's prisons operated at 112.7 percent occupancy in 2024, with 609 jails housing more inmates than their sanctioned capacity and Delhi recording the highest occupancy rate of 194.6 percent, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Natwar Singh quits Rajya Sabha, Congress

Natwar Singh quits Rajya Sabha, Congress

Rediff.com21 Feb 2008

Singh, once a close associate of Gandhi, turned her critic after the Iraqi oil-for-food scam broke out and he was forced to resign from the government in November 2005.

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.

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.

PM Modi, President Murmu congratulate Indian women's team on Asia Cup triumph

PM Modi, President Murmu congratulate Indian women's team on Asia Cup triumph

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian women's cricket team secured their eighth Women's Asia Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, a triumph that has garnered widespread congratulations from top Indian leaders.

Rajya Sabha accepts Vijay Mallya's fresh resignation

Rajya Sabha accepts Vijay Mallya's fresh resignation

Rediff.com4 May 2016

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya's tenure in the Rajya Sabha came to an end on Wednesday with Chairman Hamid Ansari accepting his fresh resignation letter.

'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.

Maharashtra Rajya Sabha Polls: Prestige Battle Between Shiv Sena, BJP

Maharashtra Rajya Sabha Polls: Prestige Battle Between Shiv Sena, BJP

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Even though MLAs are required to show their ballot to respective party whips before casting their vote, all parties have ensured their MLAs are housed in five star hotels closer to the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha where voting will take place on June 10.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

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'.

Insurance Bill: Modi checkmated in Rajya Sabha

Insurance Bill: Modi checkmated in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com12 Dec 2014

The Modi government is learning to deal with the reality that it does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

Amid impasse over Rajya Sabha nominees, Kumaraswamy reaches out to Cong

Amid impasse over Rajya Sabha nominees, Kumaraswamy reaches out to Cong

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Ignoring JD-S' request for support, the Congress did not withdraw its second candidate Khan from the fray and issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to vote for the party's candidates.

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.

Elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats announced

Elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats announced

Rediff.com23 Feb 2018

The members, whose terms are ending, include union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale.

Mithun Chakraborty Recovers Well After Surgery

Mithun Chakraborty Recovers Well After Surgery

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Mithunda is expected to be discharged from hospital soon.

Anil Ambani resigns from Rajya Sabha

Anil Ambani resigns from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com25 Mar 2006

Ambani's resignation follows a recent spate of resignations from the Upper House over the office of profit issue.