News for 'State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs'

Sangma keeps heavyweight portfolios with NPP, allies get rest

Sangma keeps heavyweight portfolios with NPP, allies get rest

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma retained the key departments for his National Peoples Party, and gave the lesser politically significant ones to alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party, Hill State Peoples Democratic Party and United Democratic Party as he allocated portfolios on Thursday.

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.

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.

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.

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Kharge alleged that Dhankhar is working as a government spokesperson and acting like a school headmaster, often sermonising experienced opposition leaders and preventing them from speaking in the House.

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.

Monsoon Session: Oppn plans to corner govt on Agnipath, price rise

Monsoon Session: Oppn plans to corner govt on Agnipath, price rise

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

Leaders of various opposition parties on Sunday demanded that issues of price rise, 'Agnipath' scheme as well as the alleged misuse of investigative agencies be taken up in Parliament and also raised objections to the list of 'unparliamentary words' at an all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the Monsoon Session.

Monsoon session of Parliament begins today, set to be stormy

Monsoon session of Parliament begins today, set to be stormy

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi has said that 31 bills will be taken up in the monsoon session. Among these include the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.

Modi briefs party MPs about govt's plans to celebrate 75th I Day

Modi briefs party MPs about govt's plans to celebrate 75th I Day

Rediff.com10 Mar 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed the BJP MPs on the government's plans to celebrate 75 years of the nation's Independence during the parliamentary party meeting.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Hit by Partha episode, Trinamool plans major overhaul, cabinet rejig

Hit by Partha episode, Trinamool plans major overhaul, cabinet rejig

Rediff.com30 Jul 2022

Sources said the reshuffle will also aim at an image makeover for the party hit by school jobs scam probe.

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

He drew the roadmap of India's economic reform, unshackled it from the licence raj and pulled it back from the brink when even its gold reserve was pledged.

Himachal Speaker lodges FIR against Cong MLAs for 'manhandling' Guv

Himachal Speaker lodges FIR against Cong MLAs for 'manhandling' Guv

Rediff.com27 Feb 2021

Himachal Pradesh Speaker Vipin Parmar has lodged a first information report against the five Congress MLAs suspended from the state assembly for the entire Budget session after they allegedly manhandled Governor Bandaru Dattatraya.

Karnataka seeks reducing no. of flights from 5 states

Karnataka seeks reducing no. of flights from 5 states

Rediff.com28 May 2020

The government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of flights from these states in view of high prevalence of coronavirus cases there, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said in a statement.

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

Rediff.com29 May 2023

Shivakumar has got the all-important Major and Medium Irrigation and Bengaluru City Development, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

Withdraw Waqf Bill, talk to stakeholders: Muslim bodies to govt

Withdraw Waqf Bill, talk to stakeholders: Muslim bodies to govt

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Both factions of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Arshad Madani and Mahmood Madani) slammed the Bill and expressed grave concerns over the proposed legislation.

Ahead of winter session, govt calls all-party meeting today

Ahead of winter session, govt calls all-party meeting today

Rediff.com25 Nov 2015

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan will also hold a meeting with leaders of all political parties on Wednesday evening to seek their cooperation in proper functioning of the House.

2024 polls: BJP sets 60-seat target in South India

2024 polls: BJP sets 60-seat target in South India

Rediff.com1 Jan 2023

According to the party sources, the preparations are in full swing and seasoned BJP workers are being deployed on more than 50 seats.

Congress' Double-Engine Vipaksh!

Congress' Double-Engine Vipaksh!

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

In the event that like in the 17th Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi again gets locked out of the House, the Congress needs a second-in-command who will keep the momentum going inside Parliament, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

50 Sena rebels pray at Kamakhya temple with BJP ministers

50 Sena rebels pray at Kamakhya temple with BJP ministers

Rediff.com29 Jun 2022

Around 50 dissident Maharashtra MLAs from Shiv Sena and Independent MLAs, led by Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday left the Radisson Blu hotel in Guwahati where they had been kept for the last few days under massive security, and prayed at Kamakhya temple.

'We're Not Anti-Nationals'

'We're Not Anti-Nationals'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

'We are not secessionists, we want to coexist with our countrymen but not on the terms that will strip us off our dignity and a right to peaceful existence.'

Mumbai-Karnataka region to be renamed as Kittur Karnataka

Mumbai-Karnataka region to be renamed as Kittur Karnataka

Rediff.com8 Nov 2021

The Karnataka Cabinet on Monday decided to rechristen 'Mumbai-Karnataka' region consisting of seven districts as 'Kittur Karnataka.'

Adani issue, ED raids set to rock Parliament, again

Adani issue, ED raids set to rock Parliament, again

Rediff.com12 Mar 2023

The opposition parties will meet on Monday morning to evolve their strategy in both Houses of Parliament after protests by them on the Hindenburg-Adani issue overshadowed most of the first half of the Budget session.

Centre releases first ever list of 30 critical minerals

Centre releases first ever list of 30 critical minerals

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

In a significant move to enhance its strategic resource security, India has officially released its first-ever critical minerals list, identifying 30 key critical minerals crucial to the nation's economic growth and technological development. This pioneering step aims at reducing import dependence, enhancing supply-chain resilience, and supporting the country's net-zero objectives. Union Minister Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, while releasing the Critical Minerals for India report in New Delhi on Wednesday, said, "India is readying for an Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Nagaland govt calls for peace, Himanta to visit Kohima on Dec 9

Nagaland govt calls for peace, Himanta to visit Kohima on Dec 9

Rediff.com7 Dec 2021

Addressing a press conference, minister Neiba Kronu said members of the government's Core Committee on the Naga political issue will have a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), in Kohima on December 9 to decide on the approach in the aftermath of the civilian killings.

At 39, Modi Knew Ayodhya's Value For The BJP's Future

At 39, Modi Knew Ayodhya's Value For The BJP's Future

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

Gujarat was labelled Hindutva's crucible and Modi was to become the chief 'chemist'. A revealing political saga excerpted from Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay's The Demolition, the Verdict and the Temple: The Definitive Book on the Ram Mandir Project.

16 Cong MLAs suspended from Guj assembly for protest against Rahul disqualification

16 Cong MLAs suspended from Guj assembly for protest against Rahul disqualification

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

Except for Anant Patel, the rest 16 MLAs of Congress were present in the House on Monday.

Bihar cabinet approves raising quota cap to 75%

Bihar cabinet approves raising quota cap to 75%

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

A bill will be brought in the assembly during the ongoing session, possibly this week according to sources in the cabinet.

New trend of allegation vs counter-allegation not good for democracy: Om Birla

New trend of allegation vs counter-allegation not good for democracy: Om Birla

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said a "new tradition" of levelling allegations and counter-allegations being observed in Parliament and state Assemblies these days is not proper for the country's constitutional democracy, and stressed the need for constructive debate and discussion in Houses to make democracy "lively and active".

Team Modi reshuffle: 4 ministers promoted to Cabinet rank

Team Modi reshuffle: 4 ministers promoted to Cabinet rank

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

Dharmendra Pradhan, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal have been elevated to Cabinet ministers.

India lags several nations in per capita income: Govt

India lags several nations in per capita income: Govt

Rediff.com19 Dec 2012

The per capita income at current prices for the year 2004-05 is estimated at Rs 16,414 in rural areas and Rs 44,172 in urban areas.

Cong MLAs 'manhandle' Himachal Guv in assembly complex; 5 suspended

Cong MLAs 'manhandle' Himachal Guv in assembly complex; 5 suspended

Rediff.com27 Feb 2021

Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatraya was allegedly manhandled by some Congress members in the assembly complex on Friday, following which five MLAs were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session.

Portfolios announced: Rajnath gets Home, Sushma MEA, Gadkari transport

Portfolios announced: Rajnath gets Home, Sushma MEA, Gadkari transport

Rediff.com27 May 2014

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has come out with a communiqu announcing distribution of portfolios of the ministers sworn-in on Monday in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers:

What Message Will The J&K Polls Have For India?

What Message Will The J&K Polls Have For India?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

'With all outlets of public expression virtually choked for the last five years, suppressed anger and frustration is looking for an opening via the ballot box.' 'There is no escape from the inevitability of the 'Engineer Rashid' factor surfacing in a big enough way to upset everyone's applecart,' alerts Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the veteran commentator on Kashmir affairs.

How many Indians live below poverty line? 27.5%!

How many Indians live below poverty line? 27.5%!

Rediff.com11 Dec 2009

In rural areas, the poverty ratio was estimated at 28.3 per cent whereas in urban areas it was 25.7 per cent, stated V Narayanswamy, Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, in response to a question by independent member Parimal Nathwani.

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Portfolios were on Tuesday allocated in the new Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, predictably, retained the all-important home department which helps him keep direct control on the state police.

Stalemate in Bihar assembly ends as speaker revokes suspension of BJP MLA

Stalemate in Bihar assembly ends as speaker revokes suspension of BJP MLA

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The BJP MLAs, who had staged a demonstration outside the assembly during the first half and marched to the Raj Bhavan during the lunch hour, were summoned by the speaker when the House reassembled at 2 pm.

States urge Centre to run special trains for migrants

States urge Centre to run special trains for migrants

Rediff.com1 May 2020

As the Centre's decision ahead of the end of the 40-day lockdown brought cheers to lakhs of migrant workers across the country, quarantine centres and shelter homes were also being readied for the returning migrants with Uttar Pradesh alone preparing to receive an estimated 10 lakh people.

Efforts on to table Women's Bill in winter session

Efforts on to table Women's Bill in winter session

Rediff.com7 Sep 2010

"The prime minister is likely to convene an all-party meeting (to evolve consensus). We are taking all efforts to bring the bill in the Lok Sabha in the winter session of Parliament," the minister of state for planning and parliamentary affairs told reporters in Chennai.

Obama's address: Winter Session advanced

Obama's address: Winter Session advanced

Rediff.com1 Sep 2010

The Winter Session of Parliament is being advanced by a week to enable United States' President Barack Obama to address members, which is likely on November 9.