News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Siddaramaiah to resign tomorrow? Meeting with guv sparks speculation

Siddaramaiah to resign tomorrow? Meeting with guv sparks speculation

Rediff.com6 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested a meeting with the Governor, intensifying speculation about a potential change in leadership, with rumours suggesting he may resign to allow his deputy, D K Shivakumar, to take over.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar on Tuesday over an unparliamentary remark by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who apologized to the Chair while clarifying that it was meant for the government that was "trying to create a regional divide" in the country. The controversy stemmed from a statement by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who slammed the Tamil Nadu government for its stand on the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP). Kharge's use of a Hindi expression, deemed unparliamentary, sparked outrage from the treasury benches. He subsequently apologized for the remark, stating it was directed at the government's policies and not the Chair.

'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.

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.

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.

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has rejected a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he cited a 1948 government press release to authenticate his statement that a Congress leader was part of the management of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had moved the notice against Shah for "casting aspersions" on Congress Parliamentary Party head Sonia Gandhi.

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party has petitioned for the disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP, citing violation of the anti-defection law and betrayal of the people's mandate.

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Rediff.com5 days ago

Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.

BJP's tally falls below 90 in Rajya Sabha, but...

BJP's tally falls below 90 in Rajya Sabha, but...

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party's tally in Rajya Sabha has dipped below 90 for the first time in several years but the party and its allies are expected to not only recoup the their losses but also make some gains when by-elections to fill the existing vacancies are held in the coming weeks.

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege notice against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a parliamentary committee, claiming he lowered the dignity of Parliament.

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.

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Harivansh is likely to be elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman for a third term as the opposition has decided to boycott the election in protest.

33% of Rajya Sabha MPs face criminal cases, BJP tops

33% of Rajya Sabha MPs face criminal cases, BJP tops

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The BJP leads with 23 percent of its 90 Rajya Sabha members having declared criminal cases against themselves.

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has been admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai for a health check-up.

Why Vijay postponed meeting with Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

Why Vijay postponed meeting with Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tamil Nadu Congress MP Christopher Tilak clarified that the postponement of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's meeting with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi was due to the leaders' busy schedules and ongoing organisational matters.

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) has invited leaders who sided with Eknath Shinde to return to the party led by Uddhav Thackeray, while also stating that some individuals will not be welcomed back.

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.

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

Rediff.com4 days ago

The CBI Director has updated a parliamentary panel on the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, while education ministry officials outlined measures for a fair retest.

Sudha Murty nominated to Rajya Sabha

Sudha Murty nominated to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Modi asserted in a post on X that her presence in the Upper House is a powerful testament to 'Nari Shakti' (women power), exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping the nation's destiny.

Why Is Sonia Gandhi Contesting A Rajya Sabha Election?

Why Is Sonia Gandhi Contesting A Rajya Sabha Election?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The nomination is an indication that the veteran Congress leader is not sure of victory from Raebareli, the Lok Sabha constituency she has represented for five terms.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

Siddaramaiah announces resignation at breakfast meet with ministers

Siddaramaiah announces resignation at breakfast meet with ministers

Rediff.com5 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down, according to official sources. The move comes after the Congress high command reportedly asked him to make way for a leadership change in the state, potentially offering him a central role in the party.

Payyoli Express In Rajya Sabha

Payyoli Express In Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Usha, who missed an Olympic medal by 1/100th of a second at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, was nominated to the Upper House on July 6, days after she turned 58 on June 27.

Chadha, others wouldn't have left AAP if...: Anna Hazare

Chadha, others wouldn't have left AAP if...: Anna Hazare

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Social activist Anna Hazare has criticised Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for allegedly leaving the Aam Aadmi Party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that such political switching for personal interests goes against constitutional values.

Union minister Nadda named Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Union minister Nadda named Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Nadda replaces Union minister Piyush Goyal, who recently won the Lok Sabha election and took oath on Monday as a member of the Lower House of Parliament.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

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.

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject opposition notices to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient grounds.

JPC report on Waqf bill tabled in Rajya Sabha amid uproar

JPC report on Waqf bill tabled in Rajya Sabha amid uproar

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The report was tabled by Bharatiya Janata Party member Medha Vishram Kulkarni, a member of the panel.

TMC to send journalist Sagarika Ghose to Rajya Sabha

TMC to send journalist Sagarika Ghose to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com11 Feb 2024

'We are pleased to announce the candidature of @sagarikaghose, @SushmitaDevAITC, @MdNadimulHaque6 and Mamata Bala Thakur for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections,' the party said in a tweet.

AAP nominates DCW chief Swati Maliwal for Rajya Sabha

AAP nominates DCW chief Swati Maliwal for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

The AAP renominated Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta for a second term in the Upper House of Parliament, party sources said on Friday.

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Raghav Chadha explains his decision to leave the AAP, citing a 'toxic' work environment where leaders were allegedly prevented from working and speaking freely.

'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.

Battleground Rajya Sabha!

Battleground Rajya Sabha!

Rediff.com19 Dec 2014

It is not in the Lok Sabha, where the BJP has a clear majority, but the Rajya Sabha that the Opposition has ganged up to checkmate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plans.

'Kejriwal Needs To Learn From Modi'

'Kejriwal Needs To Learn From Modi'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

'The entire party is centred around one man and that is Arvind Kejriwal.' 'Till the time you are in Kejriwal's good books you are powerful. The day you are not with him, you are no one in the party.'

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Rediff.com6 days ago

Speculation is mounting that Siddaramaiah will announce his resignation from the CM's post in a couple of days, mostly on Thursday, to clear the path for Shivakumar.

Tata Group Expanding In Bengal: Here's What It Means

Tata Group Expanding In Bengal: Here's What It Means

Rediff.com3 days ago

TMC leader Derek O'Brien highlights the Tata Group's presence and expansion in West Bengal, countering BJP claims about bringing Tata back to the state. Investments and expansions span IT, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Following his election to the Rajya Sabha, Nitish Kumar is set to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council, adhering to constitutional requirements and prompting speculation about future political strategies in Bihar.