News for 'Rajya Sabha'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

West Bengal's TMC Government On Borrowed Time, Says BJP

West Bengal's TMC Government On Borrowed Time, Says BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, has criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of crushing democracy and creating a lawless environment in the state. He highlighted political violence, rising debt, and a lack of investor confidence as key issues under the TMC's rule.

Paswan, Rudy win Rajya Sabha polls from Bihar

Paswan, Rudy win Rajya Sabha polls from Bihar

Rediff.com17 Jun 2010

Lok Janshakti Party supremo Ram Vilas Paswan and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Pratap Rudy on Thursday won their respective Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar.It has been reported that the BJP and its partner Janata Dal -United are optimistic about winning three seats, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal and LJP appear confident of winning both the seats they are contesting.The RJD-LJP alliance has the support of 68 MLAs, against the requirement of 76.

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has revised its transgender reservation judgment, reaffirming the constitutional right to self-identify gender while addressing concerns about the 2026 Amendment Act's impact on transgender rights.

Bharat Taxi Navigates Competition and Digital Adoption Hurdles

Bharat Taxi Navigates Competition and Digital Adoption Hurdles

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addressed Parliament regarding the challenges faced by Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform, including competition from established private aggregators and resistance to digital adoption among drivers.

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'Whether you will bring this down and cause hurt to senior citizens, who are probably living on that little interest rate that they earn out of it... But equally, if I just look at the kitty of the National Small Savings Fund, it is from that same kitty that I'm borrowing.'

Rajya Sabha sets record, passes five bills in mere hours

Rajya Sabha sets record, passes five bills in mere hours

Rediff.com11 May 2016

The bills, including some key finance legislations, were passed during the course of a few hours in the post-lunch period.

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.

BSP becomes third largest party in Rajya Sabha

BSP becomes third largest party in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com18 Jul 2010

Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party has emerged as the third largest party in the Rajya Sabha, relegating the CPI(M) to fourth position in yet another bad news for Marxists ahead of the Assembly polls in West Bengal and Kerala.

Polls for 7 Rajya Sabha seats in Feb

Polls for 7 Rajya Sabha seats in Feb

Rediff.com12 Jan 2009

The Election Commission will hold biennial elections on February 13 to seven Rajya Sabha seats, including those held by Union Ministers Vayalar Ravi and Saif-ud-Din Soz as also National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah. Elections would be held for four seats in Jammu and Kashmir and three in Kerala.

Denied a Rajya Sabha seat, PMK cries foul

Denied a Rajya Sabha seat, PMK cries foul

Rediff.com6 Mar 2008

Talking to media persons in Chennai after chairing the party's emergent administrative committee meeting, which was attended by six parliamentarians and 18 legislators, PMK founder-leader Dr S Ramadoss said though different views were expressed in the meeting, the party had decided to renew talks with the DMK to sort the issue.

PM Modi slams opposition for blocking OBC bill in Rajya Sabha

PM Modi slams opposition for blocking OBC bill in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com12 Apr 2017

Modi expressed surprise at the stand of the opposition as members of all parties had been urging him for bringing the legislation

Brinda Karat raises a storm in Rajya Sabha

Brinda Karat raises a storm in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com23 Oct 2008

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party disrupted proceedings in the Upper House as Karat read out a confessional statement allegedly given by a riot-accused, who had conceded that Hindu fundamentalists were behind the incidents of violence in Malegaon.

US lawmaker compares protest in House to Rajya Sabha uproar

US lawmaker compares protest in House to Rajya Sabha uproar

Rediff.com26 Jun 2016

Congressman Mark Meadows posted two photos -- one of the Democratic party sit-in and the other of AIADMK protest by lawmakers inside the Rajya Sabha in March - saying they look 'disturbingly similar'.

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP after the central government failed to pass a Constitution amendment bill for women's quota in legislatures, accusing the BJP of using the bill as a political ploy to divide the country and Bengal.

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.

Mines bill: Opposition in Rajya Sabha to force deferment of bill

Mines bill: Opposition in Rajya Sabha to force deferment of bill

Rediff.com19 Mar 2015

Opposition on Thursday forced deferment of consideration of the contentious Mines and Minerals Bill in Rajya Sabha till on Friday.

BJP protests in Rajya Sabha by keeping mum

BJP protests in Rajya Sabha by keeping mum

Rediff.com25 Apr 2008

The BJP decided to register its protest against the manner in which, it says, he used an old rule to punish All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam member of Parliament Dr V Maithreyan on Thursday

MP shown the door; Rajya Sabha in deadlock

MP shown the door; Rajya Sabha in deadlock

Rediff.com24 Apr 2008

Business in Rajya Sabha was on Thursday deadlocked with the opposition objecting to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader V Maitreyan being asked to leave the House after he sought the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's response to charges against his cabinet colleague T R Baalu for favouring his sons' firms.

US lawmakers' letter to PM rocks Rajya Sabha

US lawmakers' letter to PM rocks Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com4 May 2007

Reports in the media on Friday said US Senator Tom Lantos had written a letter to the prime minister asking India to 'sever' military ties with Iran and "terminate" all cooperation in the energy sector.

Sanjay Raut acquitted in defamation case

Sanjay Raut acquitted in defamation case

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A sessions court in Mumbai acquitted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife, Medha Somaiya, who alleged Raut made defamatory allegations against her and her husband regarding a Rs 100 crore scam.

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has issued an unconditional apology for claiming that former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was linked to the CIA during the 1960s. The apology comes after widespread criticism from within and outside the BJP.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till April 26 over Nandigram

Rajya Sabha adjourned till April 26 over Nandigram

Rediff.com21 Mar 2007

This is the sixth day that Parliament has been disrupted.

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.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

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.

PM to file nomination for 5th term in Rajya Sabha

PM to file nomination for 5th term in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com9 May 2013

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will travel to Guwahati to file his nomination papers for his fifth term in the Rajya Sabha on May 15. The election has been scheduled for May 30.

14 criminals, 50 crorepatis to contest Rajya Sabha elections

14 criminals, 50 crorepatis to contest Rajya Sabha elections

Rediff.com5 Feb 2014

A latest survey by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that 14 criminals and 50 crorepatis will be contesting the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha's Keonjhar district brought the skeleton of his dead sister to a bank to withdraw money deposited in her name after bank officials insisted on the account holder's presence.

Din in Rajya Sabha over Chinese envoy's remarks

Din in Rajya Sabha over Chinese envoy's remarks

Rediff.com24 Nov 2006

The House has been adjourned until 1400 hours.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same girl.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same child.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

What issues should Sachin take up in Rajya Sabha? Your SAY

What issues should Sachin take up in Rajya Sabha? Your SAY

Rediff.com26 Apr 2012

On Thursday, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar joined the league of celebrities who have turned politicians. President Partibha Patil accepted Tendulkar's nomination as a member of the Rajya Sabha making him the first active sportsperson to be a representative in the Upper House.

Rajya Sabha session adjourned over attack on Lalu

Rajya Sabha session adjourned over attack on Lalu

Rediff.com21 Apr 2005

Trouble broke out when RJD members supported by the Congress protest what they termed as pre-meditated conspiracy against the railway minister, who had gone to Samalaya in connection with a train accident.

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.

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Political activity in Bihar is all set to intensify once the inauspicious kharmas period ends on April 14. Will Nitish Kumar pull another rabbit out of his hat? M I Khan reports.

Telangana Bill moved in Rajya Sabha amid unprecedented chaos

Telangana Bill moved in Rajya Sabha amid unprecedented chaos

Rediff.com20 Feb 2014

Amid unprecedented bedlam, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde moved the Telangana bill in Rajya Sabha for consideration leading to three adjournments within 30 minutes.

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, while also urging him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally. He also mentioned the previous Chairman, triggering protests.