News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has reportedly withdrawn the security cover for Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh after he switched from AAP to BJP. This follows protests by AAP workers outside the residences of Singh and other defectors.

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Punjab police registered two FIRs under sections for non-bailable offences against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. Both FIRs were filed in different districts of Punjab.

SC dismisses plea against open ballot system in Rajya Sabha polls

SC dismisses plea against open ballot system in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking to allow secret ballot in polls for the Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils, observing that the open ballot system is needed to "prevent cross voting and maintain party discipline".

Lokpal Bill unlikely to reach Rajya Sabha today

Lokpal Bill unlikely to reach Rajya Sabha today

Rediff.com28 Dec 2011

In the Upper House of Parliament, where the Lokpal Bill is likely to be taken up on Wednesday, the Congress does not have majority on its own or with its allies in the UPA.

Pictures: Rekha makes 'guest' appearance in Rajya Sabha

Pictures: Rekha makes 'guest' appearance in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com12 Aug 2014

Yesteryear Bollywood star Rekha on turned up to attend the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha amid criticism for attending only seven sittings since being nominated two years ago.

Is Uddhav's Sena heading for another split? Raut reacts

Is Uddhav's Sena heading for another split? Raut reacts

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Thackeray on Sunday called a meeting of party MPs. Of the nine Lok Sabha members, only four --- Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waze and Sanjay Patil --- attended the meeting in person, while Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Deshmukh attended online.

Congress wins 3 of 4 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan; Subhash Chandra loses

Congress wins 3 of 4 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan; Subhash Chandra loses

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

Congress candidates Randeep Surjewala, Mukul Wasnik and Pramod Tiwari were elected to the Rajya Sabha, according to a tweet by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Ram Setu issue rocks Rajya Sabha

Ram Setu issue rocks Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com26 Feb 2013

The issue of Ram Setu rocked Rajya Sabha on Tuesday with the Bharatiya Janata Party asking the government to withdraw its affidavit given in court on plans to dismantle it, leading to acrimonious exchanges and consequent adjournment of the house.

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

AAP MP Raghav Chadha claims he was silenced after being removed as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, alleging his own party sought to prevent him from speaking in Parliament.

Rajya Sabha members allotted to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Rajya Sabha members allotted to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Rediff.com30 May 2014

A draw of lots was held on Friday to allot Rajya Sabha members to Telangana and residual Andhra Pradesh following division of the state.

Rebels shifted to safe location in Rajasthan: Raut

Rebels shifted to safe location in Rajasthan: Raut

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that rebel MPs from his party received an additional Rs 10 crore each and were moved to a safe location in Rajasthan. This comes as six of the nine Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting, indicating a potential split and crossover to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Raut also warned of 'Operation Tudwa' against the dissidents and demanded their resignation.

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has appealed for peace and dialogue amid the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, urging people to work towards an amicable solution.

Praful Patel files nomination for Rajya Sabha election

Praful Patel files nomination for Rajya Sabha election

Rediff.com5 Jun 2014

Former Union minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel on Thursday filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Maharashtra slated for June 19.

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.

Watch LIVE! All the action in Rajya Sabha

Watch LIVE! All the action in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com9 Jan 2019

Watch all the the debates and proceedings.

Tendulkar recommended for Rajya Sabha membership

Tendulkar recommended for Rajya Sabha membership

Rediff.com26 Apr 2012

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and yesteryear actress Rekha are among four eminent personalities recommended for nomination as members of the Rajya Sabha. The 39-year-old Tendulkar and Rekha will become Members of Parliament under a provision of the constitution that allows the President to nominate 12 members to the Upper House.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

Summer Heat Shows No Signs Of Relief

Summer Heat Shows No Signs Of Relief

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The persistent heat has also put pressure on daily life, affecting outdoor work, travel, and electricity consumption in many parts of the country.

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to 'forgive' young protesters who used abusive language, accusing him of deflecting from issues of alleged police action and a 'broken education system'.

Rajya Sabha to sit beyond 7 pm from Monday

Rajya Sabha to sit beyond 7 pm from Monday

Rediff.com14 Mar 2015

Rajya Sabha will sit for late hours in last week of the first half of the budget session from Monday to clear the pending legislative and other businesses.

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

'Firmly believe Fadnavis will become PM sooner or later': CM's uncle

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' paternal uncle, Balasaheb Fadnavis, expressed his firm belief that his nephew would "sooner or later" become the Prime Minister of India. This statement comes amidst growing speculation about Devendra Fadnavis' potential shift to national politics, especially following recent political developments and claims by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.

Dr Singh, Rajya Sabha felicitate Ansari

Dr Singh, Rajya Sabha felicitate Ansari

Rediff.com13 Aug 2012

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday led the Rajya Sabha in felicitating Hamid Ansari on his second term as vice president and chairman of the House, saying his re-election was a tribute to his qualities. When the House met for the day, the prime minister stood up to felicitate and congratulate Ansari, who took oath as the vice president for his second term on Saturday.

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amidst the INDIA bloc conclave in Delhi, a significant number of Trinamool Congress MPs convened a closed-door meeting, signalling a deepening internal rebellion and discontent within the party's parliamentary ranks following recent electoral setbacks.

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has announced his decision to contest the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. He frames the bypoll as a "referendum" on the performance of the current BJP-led government under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Kishor, a former poll strategist, aims to challenge the established parties in a seat traditionally held by the BJP.

AAP MPs marshalled out of Rajya Sabha over unruly behaviour

AAP MPs marshalled out of Rajya Sabha over unruly behaviour

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

The slogan-shouting AAP members stormed into the Well of the House just as the Rajya Sabha took up a discussion on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

ED raids AAP MP who replaced Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in RS

ED raids AAP MP who replaced Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in RS

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated raids on business entities linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab and Haryana, as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

Rajya Sabha disrupted for fifth day

Rajya Sabha disrupted for fifth day

Rediff.com29 Nov 2012

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were washed out for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday after uproar over issues of FDI in retail and quota for SCs/STs in promotions in government jobs.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

Hopes of a peaceful Rajya Sabha session dashed

Hopes of a peaceful Rajya Sabha session dashed

Rediff.com21 Apr 2013

The meeting held on the eve of the resumption of the Budget session was convened by Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari and attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with senior members from various parties.

Sachin, Rekha accept Rajya Sabha nomination

Sachin, Rekha accept Rajya Sabha nomination

Rediff.com26 Apr 2012

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and actress of yesteryear Rekha are among four eminent persons who have been recommended for nomination as members of Rajya Sabha.

Rajya Sabha to consider repealing Sibal's IT Rules

Rajya Sabha to consider repealing Sibal's IT Rules

Rediff.com19 Apr 2012

The Left parties have decided to back the annulment motion and efforts are on to mobilise members of Parliament across party lines. If the motion is accepted by the Rajya Sabha, it will be sent to the Lok Sabha, probably in the monsoon session, reports Shivam Vij

Karan Singh resigns from Rajya Sabha

Karan Singh resigns from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com24 Mar 2006

Singh claimed the ICCR chairmanship is not an office of profit and in the past, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and P V Narasimha Rao had occupied this post when they were external affairs ministers.

Sonu Sood Offered Rajya Sabha seat!

Sonu Sood Offered Rajya Sabha seat!

Rediff.com28 Aug 2021

'I think I can do my work much better without being in politics.'

Embarrassment for Antony in Rajya Sabha

Embarrassment for Antony in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com9 May 2012

Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday faced an embarrassing situation in the Rajya Sabha when he laid a corrected version of a statement made in the House last week on the purchase of MiG fighter aircraft, triggering protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Suryanelli rape: Congress defends Kurien in Rajya Sabha

Suryanelli rape: Congress defends Kurien in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com26 Feb 2013

The government on Tuesday defended Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who has been under attack in connection with the Suryanelli rape issue, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath pointing out that police inquiries and courts have cleared him of all charges.

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

BJP candidates win both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat

BJP candidates win both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat

Rediff.com22 Feb 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party candidates Dineshchamdra Jemalbhai Ananvadiya and Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya won both Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat on Monday.

Can Gehlot fill Jaitley's void in Rajya Sabha?

Can Gehlot fill Jaitley's void in Rajya Sabha?

Rediff.com14 Jun 2019

Even his critics say Thaawar Chand Gehlot is a man of delivery. 'If a task is assigned, he wins it over with political sagacity,' they say.