News for 'Upper House'

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com2 days ago

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs have officially merged with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha, reducing AAP's strength in the Upper House. The move increases the BJP's presence and has been criticised by AAP as unconstitutional.

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.com5 days ago

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.

Ambadas Danve, not Uddhav, is Shiv Sena-UBT's legislative council nominee

Ambadas Danve, not Uddhav, is Shiv Sena-UBT's legislative council nominee

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is showing signs of strain as both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have announced their intention to field candidates for the upcoming legislative council elections.

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.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Harivansh has been re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed, marking his third term in the position.

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.

Trump shares 1st pictures of White House Press dinner shooter

Trump shares 1st pictures of White House Press dinner shooter

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Trump was swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after a shooting incident near the venue.

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.com4 days ago

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.

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that the government may bring a bill to increase seats in the Lok Sabha, potentially to implement reservation for women in the legislature. The Opposition has raised concerns about the timing and implications of the proposed bills.

Raghav Chadha blames 'Sheesh Mahal' for AAP's Delhi defeat

Raghav Chadha blames 'Sheesh Mahal' for AAP's Delhi defeat

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha claims that leaders are leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) due to disappointment and disgust, not fear. He cites the 'Sheesh Mahal' row as a key factor in AAP's potential defeat in future Delhi Assembly elections.

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.

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.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

BJP chief Nitin Nabin to contest RS polls from Bihar

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across multiple states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Haryana.

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Rediff.com6 days ago

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the restoration of his security cover after it was withdrawn following his defection from AAP to BJP. Singh cites a mob attack on his residence and potential threats as reasons for the plea.

'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.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Crucial Tata Trusts Board Meeting On May 8

Crucial Tata Trusts Board Meeting On May 8

Rediff.com2 days ago

The top agenda of the meeting includes a review of Tata Trusts representation on the Tata Sons board.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

TN to get back Upper House

TN to get back Upper House

Rediff.com24 May 2006

The Legislative Council was abolished 20 years ago.

Man Held For Allegedly Strangling Wife In Kerala

Man Held For Allegedly Strangling Wife In Kerala

Rediff.com6 days ago

A man in Kerala has been arrested for allegedly strangling his wife to death. Police are investigating the motive behind the crime, suspecting infidelity.

Bengaluru Woman Dies in House Fire; Family Escapes

Bengaluru Woman Dies in House Fire; Family Escapes

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A 55-year-old woman died in a house fire in Bengaluru, while her husband, son, and mother-in-law escaped. The fire broke out in their Rajajinagar residence, and the cause is under investigation.

Nepal's upper house endorses new map proposal

Nepal's upper house endorses new map proposal

Rediff.com14 Jun 2020

Now, the bill will undergo a similar process in the National Assembly, wherein the ruling Nepal Communist Party commands two-thirds majority.

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat to remove Raghav Chadha as the party's deputy leader in the House, proposing Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement, amidst Chadha's absence from key party events and prolonged silence on AAP matters.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Tata Sons IPO Buzz Grows Amid Trust Rift

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

If Tata Sons is listed, the special veto rights of Tata Trusts, under Article 121A, may have to go away.

AC blast caused deadly fire in Delhi, central locking system proved fatal

AC blast caused deadly fire in Delhi, central locking system proved fatal

Rediff.com3 days ago

A fire in a Delhi residential building resulted in nine deaths, with central locking systems and iron grills hindering escape efforts. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by an air-conditioner blast, trapped residents and complicated rescue operations.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

Return Koh-i-Noor: Zohran Mamdani's message to King Charles

Return Koh-i-Noor: Zohran Mamdani's message to King Charles

Rediff.com6 days ago

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he would encourage King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

New York Mayor Calls On King Charles To Return Koh-i-Noor

New York Mayor Calls On King Charles To Return Koh-i-Noor

Rediff.com6 days ago

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a contentious issue between India and the UK.

New York Mayor Calls On King Charles To Return Koh-I-Noor

New York Mayor Calls On King Charles To Return Koh-I-Noor

Rediff.com6 days ago

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a contentious issue between India and the UK.

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, resign from the party, with some reportedly joining the BJP.

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Mallikarjun Kharge and Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging the contributions of retiring MPs and emphasising the enduring nature of public service.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian Parliament has passed a bill amending the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, focusing on biological discrimination and excluding social orientations from its scope. The bill aims to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals facing discrimination due to biological issues, while also introducing graded punishments for harm inflicted on them.

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is facing internal conflict over the allocation of a winnable Rajya Sabha seat, with the Congress staking its claim against the Shiv Sena (UBT). Discussions are ongoing to reach a consensus before the nomination deadline.

Drug Crackdown: 14 Arrested In Kashmir Anti-Narcotics Drive

Drug Crackdown: 14 Arrested In Kashmir Anti-Narcotics Drive

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Police in Kashmir have arrested 14 drug peddlers across multiple districts as part of a 100-day campaign to eliminate drug use in Jammu and Kashmir. Contraband substances and related paraphernalia were seized during the operations.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com1 days ago

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon