News for 'Rajya Sabha'

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.

Jharkhand Police Launch SIT Probe into Girl's Death

Jharkhand Police Launch SIT Probe into Girl's Death

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Jharkhand Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Bishnugarh, Hazaribag. The SIT has been directed to submit a report within a week, and the investigation will consider all angles, including awaiting forensic and autopsy reports.

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

How Tim Cook transformed Apple's India strategy into a global manufacturing success

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Apple CEO Tim Cook's strategic pivot, from initial rejections to local partnerships and leveraging government policies like PLI, transformed India into a major iPhone manufacturing and export hub, now accounting for one in every four iPhones assembled globally.

Trinamool Congress Accuses BJP of Voter Fraud in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress Accuses BJP of Voter Fraud in West Bengal

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections by submitting a large number of Form 6 applications to illegally register voters from outside the state.

Cash row: SC junks Justice Varma's plea against parliamentary probe

Cash row: SC junks Justice Varma's plea against parliamentary probe

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The remarks were made by the bench which refused to agree with the submission made on behalf of Justice Varma that the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha had no power to reject a motion and, under the Judges (Inquiry) Act of 1968, only the Speaker and the chairman have the power to accept or reject a motion against a judge.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are urging the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could weaken the rights of transgender individuals.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.

Sudha Murty Advocates for Mandatory School Counsellors to Support Child Sexual Abuse Victims

Sudha Murty Advocates for Mandatory School Counsellors to Support Child Sexual Abuse Victims

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty urges mandatory counsellors in schools to support children facing sexual offences during a debate on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.

EC chief ducks questions on Oppn move to remove him

EC chief ducks questions on Oppn move to remove him

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar declined to comment on the opposition's notice to move a motion in Parliament for his removal, amidst accusations of partisan behaviour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

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.

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces increased domestic LPG production to offset import disruptions caused by Middle East tensions, alongside assurances of fertiliser availability and the clearing of UPA-era oil bonds.

JD-U veteran KC Tyagi ends long association with party

JD-U veteran KC Tyagi ends long association with party

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Senior JD(U) leader K C Tyagi has resigned from the party after a long association, stating his commitment to ideological principles and respect for Nitish Kumar remain unchanged. He plans to decide his future course of action soon.

AFT Case Data: Registration and Pendency Trends

AFT Case Data: Registration and Pendency Trends

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has released data on cases registered and pending with the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) between 2021 and January 2026, revealing registration and pendency trends.

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.

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Modi's address to Parliament on the situation and its potential impact on India.

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.

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about India's progress, citing poverty statistics and West Bengal's economic growth.

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'

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.

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

TMC Alleges BJP's 'Desperate Bid' to Disrupt Election Campaign After I-PAC Raids

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating raids on premises linked to I-PAC executives to disrupt their election campaign in West Bengal, alleging vendetta politics and interference in the electoral process.

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.

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.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

BJP Criticises Jharkhand Govt Over Minor Girl's Murder in Hazaribagh

BJP Criticises Jharkhand Govt Over Minor Girl's Murder in Hazaribagh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The BJP has launched a strong attack on the Jharkhand government following the murder of a minor girl in Hazaribagh, demanding swift action and compensation for the victim's family. The Congress party has also expressed concern over the incident and called for the immediate arrest of the culprits.

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rs 64,000 Crore Investment in Coal Gasification to Cut Energy Imports

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that seven coal gasification projects will be established in Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal with a Rs 64,000 crore investment, aiming to reduce India's reliance on energy imports.

Kerala CM Condemns Student Suicide, Promises Action Against Harassment

Kerala CM Condemns Student Suicide, Promises Action Against Harassment

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student in Kerala has sparked outrage and prompted investigations into claims of caste-based harassment. The Chief Minister has condemned the incident, and various organisations are offering support to the student's family and calling for measures to prevent future occurrences.

Nitish Kumar exits, legacy marked by progress and contradictions

Nitish Kumar exits, legacy marked by progress and contradictions

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

An analysis of Nitish Kumar's tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, highlighting his contributions to development and social justice alongside controversies and political shifts.

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.

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.

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.

BJP announces 1st Assam list; Himanta, Cong turncoats in fray

BJP announces 1st Assam list; Himanta, Cong turncoats in fray

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The BJP has announced its initial list of 88 candidates for the Assam Assembly elections, featuring key contests and strategic reassignments, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's bid to retain his Jalukbari seat.

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has created a leadership crisis within the NCP, raising questions about the party's future and potential reunification with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Lok Sabha will debate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms after an all-party agreement, potentially breaking the logjam over discussions on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.