News for 'State for Parliamentary Affairs'

At parliamentary party meet, BJP sounds poll bugle for 2019

At parliamentary party meet, BJP sounds poll bugle for 2019

Rediff.com16 Mar 2017

The prime minister said youths should be made "ambassadors" of the Union government's public welfare works and good governance.

Himachal assembly speaker expels 15 BJP MLAs amid crisis

Himachal assembly speaker expels 15 BJP MLAs amid crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

They were suspended for misbehaviour and shouting slogans in the House.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus is considering resigning after political parties failed to reach a common ground, according to the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief. Yunus, appointed after a student-led uprising toppled the previous government, expressed concerns about his ability to function in the current political climate.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi tests COVID positive

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi tests COVID positive

Rediff.com7 Oct 2020

Joshi, an MP from Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, played a crucial role in the conduct of the recent Parliament session amid the pandemic in his capacity as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has conceded that he was wrong in opposing India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the country's current position allows it to play a significant role in achieving lasting peace. Tharoor, who had initially criticized India's neutrality, now acknowledges that the policy has positioned India as a mediator, capable of engaging with both Russia and Ukraine.

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

'She will return': Mamata reacts to Mahua's expulsion

'She will return': Mamata reacts to Mahua's expulsion

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

Moitra was expelled after the House adopted the report of its Ethics Committee that held her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interest.

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of raising questions on sensitive defence matters in Parliament after his marriage to a British citizen. Sarma alleged that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links with the Pakistani establishment, including working for an organisation allegedly a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Gogoi has rejected the allegations as "baseless" and said the BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures.

Oppn MPs walk out of Parliamentary panel meet for omitting Manipur issue

Oppn MPs walk out of Parliamentary panel meet for omitting Manipur issue

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

In the letter, they said as members of the committee, it is their moral and constitutional responsibility to discuss this matter with utmost urgency and the required sincerity.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'Centre didn't consult states before creating NIA'

'Centre didn't consult states before creating NIA'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2009

"As the border is porous, criminals often commit crimes in India and slip into Nepal through the border. In a bid to provide fast and smooth movement to SSB personnel, the UP government has forwarded a Rs 1,503 crore project to the Centre for approval," UP Parliamentary Affairs Minister Lalji Verma said. The minister lamented that the Centre had reduced the state's financial assistance to modernise police force.

SP, BSP regimes sold prime Waqf properties: Azam

SP, BSP regimes sold prime Waqf properties: Azam

Rediff.com2 Jul 2012

Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan on Monday alleged that almost 90 per cent prime properties of the Waqf Board have been "sold to builders by previous Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi party governments" and vowed to bring a legislation to restore them back to the board.

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.

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

There is a proposal from the BJP camp that they would resort to a proportion-based increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats for individual states, based on what they now have. On the face of it, this sounds like a fine argument that those demanding a 'freeze' now cannot oppose without reasons and justification, avers N Sathiya Moorthy.

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The United States has deported a group of Indian migrants on a military transport aircraft, marking the first such deportation to India as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that Washington is tightening immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. The deportation comes as India and the US are finalizing details for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February. India has indicated its willingness to work with the US on addressing illegal immigration, and has said it will take back all Indians who have overstayed or are in the US without documentation.

Sonia calls Prez Murmu 'poor thing', Rashtrapati Bhavan hits back

Sonia calls Prez Murmu 'poor thing', Rashtrapati Bhavan hits back

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's reaction to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the Joint session of the Parliament on Friday stoked a controversy.

CBI summons Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in ponzi scam case

CBI summons Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in ponzi scam case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2021

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday issued summons to Trinamool Congress secretary general and senior West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the I-core ponzi scam, sources in the agency said.

Nagaland: CM Rio distributes portfolios, keeps finance with him

Nagaland: CM Rio distributes portfolios, keeps finance with him

Rediff.com10 Mar 2023

Rio also appointed 24 MLAs as 'advisors' to various departments in his opposition less government.

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, had to literally face a trial-by-fire to ensure widespread acceptance of his path-breaking Union Budget of 1991 that saw the nation rise from its darkest financial crises.

Owaisi raises 'Jai.....!' slogan at LS oath-taking, expunged

Owaisi raises 'Jai.....!' slogan at LS oath-taking, expunged

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

After taking oath, he hailed his state Telangana, Bhimrao Ambedkar, apart from raising the AIMIM's slogan for Muslim, along with the West Asian country.

Waqf panel adopts draft report, Oppn to submit dissent

Waqf panel adopts draft report, Oppn to submit dissent

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Opposition MPs, some of whom have given their dissent, slammed the exercise as undemocratic, claiming that they were given little time to study the final report and frame their dissent notes.

JD-U downplays absence of MLAs ahead of trust vote

JD-U downplays absence of MLAs ahead of trust vote

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United on Sunday exuded confidence that its national president, who was sworn in as Bihar CM for a record ninth time after forming a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party, will win Monday's trust vote.

Sachar report on Muslims an eyewash: UP minister

Sachar report on Muslims an eyewash: UP minister

Rediff.com1 Dec 2006

Khan, who is the state Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said that it was yet another move to fool Muslims ahead of assembly elections in the state.

Delhi basement tragedy: LS demands inquiry, RS defers debate

Delhi basement tragedy: LS demands inquiry, RS defers debate

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

Officials have said an absence of drainage system and safety measures, and use of basement for commercial activities in violation of norms led to the death of three civil services aspirants at the coaching centre.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

Waqf panel okays govt's 14 clauses, junks Oppn changes

Waqf panel okays govt's 14 clauses, junks Oppn changes

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf bill is set to propose that existing 'Waqf by user' properties will remain so if not in dispute or are government facilities but they must be registered before the new law takes effect, providing little relief to Waqf bodies in their unverified title claims.

Uproar in Bihar assembly over 'attack on migrants' in Tamil Nadu

Uproar in Bihar assembly over 'attack on migrants' in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary took a grim note of the unruly behaviour of some of the BJP MLAs who had entered the well and placed chairs on the table of the reporting staff.

In US Rahul calls Modi 'a specimen' who knows more than god

In US Rahul calls Modi 'a specimen' who knows more than god

Rediff.com31 May 2023

Gandhi said the govt "tried everything to stop" his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', but nothing was working against the "effect" of the foot march.

First session of 18th LS from Monday; Speaker's election on Wednesday

First session of 18th LS from Monday; Speaker's election on Wednesday

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

The row over the appointment of Bharatiya Janata Party leader and seven-term member Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem speaker is likely to cast a shadow over the session.

Sikh parliamentary secretary for minority affairs shot dead in Pakistan

Sikh parliamentary secretary for minority affairs shot dead in Pakistan

Rediff.com22 Apr 2016

Sardar Sooran Singh, the Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was assassinated in Pir Baba area of Buner district.

DMK MP's 'unfit' jibe at Union minister triggers uproar in LS

DMK MP's 'unfit' jibe at Union minister triggers uproar in LS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

Baalu said Murugan was a "traitor" who spoke against the interests of Tamil Nadu and added he described him as "unfit", which was not an unparliamentary word.

RS adjourned amid uproar over recovery of cash from Singhvi's seat

RS adjourned amid uproar over recovery of cash from Singhvi's seat

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said a wad of currency notes was recovered by security staff from the seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Ilaiyaraaja issues notice to makers of 'Manjummel Boys' over song

Ilaiyaraaja issues notice to makers of 'Manjummel Boys' over song

Rediff.com23 May 2024

Manjummel Boys traces the story of one such bunch of inebriated tourists from Kochi, fans of the film Gunaa.

Cong discusses 'unexpected' defeat in state polls

Cong discusses 'unexpected' defeat in state polls

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

The Congress leadership on Friday held separate meetings to review its performances in the assembly polls in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and said its defeat in the two states at the hands of the BJP was unexpected.

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

PM to chair all-party meet on COVID on December 4

PM to chair all-party meet on COVID on December 4

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

This will be the second all-party meeting called by the government to discuss the COVID-19 situation since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM for 5th term

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM for 5th term

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

Sheikh Hasina was on Thursday sworn in as the prime minister of Bangladesh for the fifth term, days after her Awami League won an overwhelming majority in the general elections boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies.