News for 'State for Parliamentary Affairs'

20 killed, 171 hurt as B'desh Air Force jet crashes into school building

20 killed, 171 hurt as B'desh Air Force jet crashes into school building

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka's Uttara area.

Trinamool to skip all-party meet convened by Centre

Trinamool to skip all-party meet convened by Centre

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The government has convened an all-party meeting on July 21 ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament which will start next Monday, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said.

Bengal assembly passes motion condemning Manipur violence

Bengal assembly passes motion condemning Manipur violence

Rediff.com31 Jul 2023

Speaking on the motion, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the role of the BJP and the Union government in tackling the situation in the strife-torn state.

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over 'Cong-Soros' link

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over 'Cong-Soros' link

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day after repeated disruptions amid uproarious scenes as members of treasury and opposition benches traded charges on the Soros and Adani issues.

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A 39-member parliamentary panel has been constituted to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The panel, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, will include prominent members from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK. The panel is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session. The government has decided to increase the committee's strength to include more political parties, highlighting the significance of this proposal to reform the election process in India.

Four tourists trapped in Arunachal's Sela Lake rescued

Four tourists trapped in Arunachal's Sela Lake rescued

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Four tourists from Assam fell into the frozen Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh while attempting to walk on its icy surface. Despite clear risks, they ventured onto the lake's frozen surface but were quickly pulled to safety by their companions. Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the lake. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also cautioned tourists about the dangers of walking on frozen lakes and advised them to exercise caution when traveling in the mountains.

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

From 'Reluctant Politician' To Vice President

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

While naming him as the NDA candidate for the Vice President's post, the BJP had described him as 'Kisan putra', a move seen in the political circles aimed at reaching out to the politically significant Jat community which had participated in huge numbers in the year-long farmers' protests against agriculture reform measures unveiled in June 2020.

Modi's Visit: 'Manipuris Are Disappointed'

Modi's Visit: 'Manipuris Are Disappointed'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'No one anticipated magical solutions or miraculous interventions.' 'However, people across the entire spectrum -- whether residing in the valley or the hills -- expected the prime minister to dedicate at least five to ten minutes to genuinely listening to the voice of the people.'

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has distributed portfolios among the new ministers, keeping key departments such as Home, Personnel, and several others to himself. The Congress' Radhakrishna Kishore was given Finance, Commercial Tax, Planning and Development Department, and Parliamentary Affairs departments. JMM's Deepak Biruwa was allotted the departments of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms (non-registration), and Transport. Chamra Linda, another JMM leader, was allotted the departments of Schedule Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes (except Minority Welfare). RJD's Sanjay Prasad Yadav was given the departments of Industries, and Labour, Planning, Training and Skill Development. The Congress' Irfan Ansari got Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, besides Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, and Disaster Management departments. The chief minister also kept to himself the departments of Cabinet Secretariat, Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Official Language, Road Construction, Building Construction, and those departments yet to be distributed to anyone. Among the other ministers, JMM's Ramdas Soren was given the School Education and Literacy, and Registration departments. Party colleague Hafizul Hasan was allotted the departments of Water Resources, and Minority Welfare Department. Panchayati Raj, Rural Works, and Rural Development departments were given to Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh. The CM gave Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Excise and Prohibition departments to JMM's Yogendra Prasad. JMM legislator Sudhivya Kumar became the minister for Urban Development and Housing, Higher and Technical Education, and Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments. Shilpi Neha Tirkey of the Congress was allotted Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Department. A total of 11 MLAs took oath as ministers in the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand on Thursday.

Karnataka Speaker revokes suspension of 18 BJP MLAs

Karnataka Speaker revokes suspension of 18 BJP MLAs

Rediff.com25 May 2025

The suspension of 18 Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs from the Karnataka Legislative assembly for six months has been revoked, Speaker U T Khader said on Sunday.

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Assam assembly will discontinue with the two-hour break provided on Fridays to facilitate Muslim legislators to offer 'namaaz', Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The rule will be implemented from the next session, an assembly official said.

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the address of the President to the two Houses was similar to the one made last year, and claimed that it was the same 'laundry list' of things the government has done.

Oppn wants Parl debate on Kumbh stampede, Rijiju says...

Oppn wants Parl debate on Kumbh stampede, Rijiju says...

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Opposition parties have called for a discussion in Parliament on the Maha Kumbh tragedy and the UP government's alleged focus on VIPs rather than the common pilgrims. Union minister Kiren Rijiju has stated that the Business Advisory Committee will decide on the agenda of the Budget Session, which will start from January 31. The Session will commence with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

India's Parliament is set to begin its Budget session on Friday, with opposition parties poised to demand a discussion on the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, where 30 pilgrims died in a stampede. The opposition also accused the government of politicising parliamentary committees and pushing its agenda through its majority. The session will start with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both houses of Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Saturday for the eighth consecutive time.

Govt seeks parliamentary nod for extra expenditure

Govt seeks parliamentary nod for extra expenditure

Rediff.com18 Dec 2008

Of these, the extra expenditure proposals involve net cash outgo aggregating Rs 42,480.10 crore (Rs 424.8 billion). The demands were laid in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy.

Didn't want to suspend Opposition MPs, but...: Union minister

Didn't want to suspend Opposition MPs, but...: Union minister

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the government was not keen to suspend MPs from Lok Sabha, but opposition members came with requests for suspension after action was taken against some of their colleagues.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The opposition on Sunday asked the Centre to allow discussions in the Parliament on the United States prosecutors' bribery charges against the Adani Group even as Union minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the matters to be taken up in the two Houses will be decided by their authorised committees with the consent of the respective Chair.

Waqf bill sent to joint parliamentary panel after heated debate

Waqf bill sent to joint parliamentary panel after heated debate

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The bill to amend the law governing Waqf boards proposes far-reaching changes in the Wakf Act, 1995, including ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner.' 'The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field,' points out Shyam G Menon.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

Suspension of 14 Oppn MPs revoked day before budget session

Suspension of 14 Oppn MPs revoked day before budget session

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committees had recommended that their suspension be withdrawn after they expressed regret for their conduct during the Winter session when their relentless protests prompted the Chairs to take action.

Pakistan was informed only after the strikes: Jaishankar

Pakistan was informed only after the strikes: Jaishankar

Rediff.com26 May 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has informed a parliamentary panel that Pakistan was notified about Indian strikes on terror camps in their territory only after they were carried out. He also clarified that the decision to halt the military operation was taken bilaterally following a request from Pakistan, and there was no US mediation involved. Jaishankar emphasized India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and the importance of conveying a united message against it globally.

Economic offenders not to be handcuffed: Parliamentary panel

Economic offenders not to be handcuffed: Parliamentary panel

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

People taken into custody for economic offences should not be handcuffed and clubbed with those arrested for heinous crimes such as rape and murder, a parliamentary committee has recommended.

Kanimozhi's Mission Possible In Russia

Kanimozhi's Mission Possible In Russia

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-led delegation is visiting five European nations to garner support for India's campaign against cross-border terrorism.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

Pak DGMO called for peace, no 3rd party involvement: Govt in RS

Pak DGMO called for peace, no 3rd party involvement: Govt in RS

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

India reasserted that Pakistan requested a cessation of firing via DGMO contact and addressed concerns about Pakistan's roles in UNSC committees.

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rabri Devi, calling her appointment as Chief Minister "suspension-induced" during a heated debate in the state legislative council. The verbal sparring, marked by accusations and counter-accusations on law and order, saw Kumar accusing the RJD of being unable to handle Hindu-Muslim tensions and engaging in "mischief." Rabri Devi, in response, asserted her right to speak about her achievements during her tenure as Chief Minister. Kumar, however, retorted with a sharp, local phrase, dismissing Rabri Devi's claims. The exchange, which saw both sides engage in mudslinging, ended with the Chairman admonishing the opposition for their unruly behavior.

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the Americas during his Bogota visit, had expressed dismay over the South American country's stance during a press conference on Thursday.

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

It is also the first time that TRF has been mentioned in any UN document. This marks the first mention of the LeT and any other Pakistan-based terror group in the report since 2019.

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Muslims need to work according to strategy and not fall into the trap of Opposition parties.'

Modi is BJP parliamentary party leader in both Houses

Modi is BJP parliamentary party leader in both Houses

Rediff.com12 Jul 2014

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be the deputy leader of the party in the Lok Sabha and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has secured international support in its fight against terrorism, with Russia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates expressing solidarity and a commitment to working together to combat the threat. This follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 lives. Multi-party parliamentary delegations from India briefed the leaderships of these countries on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating radicalism. These developments highlight the growing global consensus against terrorism and the importance of international collaboration to address this shared challenge.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Rekha Gupta had the support of the RSS, which actively participated in the Delhi assembly poll campaign to help the BJP win.

Karnataka withdraws consent for CBI probes amid MUDA scam

Karnataka withdraws consent for CBI probes amid MUDA scam

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Asked whether this was being done to "shield" the chief minister who is facing a probe in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment case, Patil said: "On CM there is a court order for Lakayukta probe, so there is no such question."

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A special cabinet meeting in Karnataka convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census', ended without a decision. The cabinet will reconvene on May 2 to discuss the report further and make a final decision.