News for 'Upper House'

Rentals on rise: Robust office space demand set to benefit landowners

Rentals on rise: Robust office space demand set to benefit landowners

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Office space owners are looking at good times ahead as rentals are expected to rise due to demand for Grade A office spaces outpacing supply that has been sluggish due to construction delays, long gestation periods and developers' interests shifting to residential.

Waqf Bill vote: BJD leaders seeks action own MP

Waqf Bill vote: BJD leaders seeks action own MP

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Senior leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in India are calling for action against Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra for allegedly creating confusion among lawmakers regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The controversy arose after Patra, despite the party's announced opposition to the Bill, revealed he had voted in favor of it and stated that MPs could vote according to their conscience. The situation has led to accusations of a possible "deal" between the BJD and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

When Can Speaker Expunge MPs' Remarks?

When Can Speaker Expunge MPs' Remarks?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

'Expunging remarks is within the powers of the Speaker.' 'Nobody can question or challenge the Speaker's decision.'

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'The lakes up there were already at the brink due to accumulated rainwater, and then snowmelt occurred.' 'When one lake breached, it triggered a cascading effect -- other lakes breached subsequently.'

'Dangerous precedent': RS Chairman slams Oppn walkout

'Dangerous precedent': RS Chairman slams Oppn walkout

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Pointing out the instance of Kharge entering the Well of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Dhankhar said, "It was extremely painful to notice that even the Leader of the Opposition walked into the Well of the House and that was a disgrace to parliamentary conduct and proprietary."

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified the process of deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating that it is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for several years. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is engaging with the US to ensure that the deported Indians are not mistreated during their transit. Jaishankar also emphasized the need for strong action against the illegal migration industry while ensuring ease of visas for legitimate travellers. The minister provided details about the number of Indians deported from the US since 2009, highlighting the peak in 2019 with 2,042 deportations.

India saw simultaneous elections 4 times: A timeline

India saw simultaneous elections 4 times: A timeline

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

In 2019, an all-party meeting was held in Delhi and it was attended by 19 political parties to discuss critical reforms in governance. One of the subjects of the discussions was simultaneous elections

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to name the committee's chairperson soon.

Oppn moves 172 amendments on motion of thanks on President's address

Oppn moves 172 amendments on motion of thanks on President's address

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha have moved 92 amendments on the motion of thanks on the President's address, while those in the Rajya Sabha have moved 80 amendments.

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of harboring "hatred" towards B.R. Ambedkar, demanding an apology from him for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leaders pointed out that Shah's comments, which criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name by the opposition, demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards the architect of India's Constitution. The allegations sparked outrage among Congress members, who accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of disdain for Ambedkar. The incident has fueled political tensions, with the Congress vowing to hold Shah accountable for his remarks.

Former BJP ally Dushyant Chautala ready to back Cong in RS polls

Former BJP ally Dushyant Chautala ready to back Cong in RS polls

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Jannayak Janta Party leader Dushyant Chautala on Thursday said his party is ready to support the Congress in the Rajya Sabha election and ruled out any alliance with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana before or after the next assembly polls.

Why Is Sonia Gandhi Contesting A Rajya Sabha Election?

Why Is Sonia Gandhi Contesting A Rajya Sabha Election?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The nomination is an indication that the veteran Congress leader is not sure of victory from Raebareli, the Lok Sabha constituency she has represented for five terms.

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

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.

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

'There is no question that Putin's preference will be to avoid unpleasantness with Trump, leave alone a collision course,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The latest book, in Singh's words, is "not merely a recounting of events but a mosaic of narratives, each woven with the depth and nuances of storytelling".

Ex-Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar takes oath as RS member

Ex-Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar takes oath as RS member

Rediff.com4 Aug 2021

He was elected to Rajya Sabha on a seat left vacant after TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi joined the BJP before the recent West Bengal assembly elections.

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.

Passing Contentious Bills Will Be Tough For NDA

Passing Contentious Bills Will Be Tough For NDA

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

BJP will find it tougher to push contentious Bills, especially those that would require Constitutional amendments, without the support of its allies and cooperation from the Opposition.

Insult to Marathi people won't be tolerated, warns Maha govt

Insult to Marathi people won't be tolerated, warns Maha govt

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

An alleged attack on a Marathi-speaking family by a government employee in Thane district sparked outrage in the Maharashtra Assembly, where the BJP-led government assured justice and condemned the incident. Opposition parties demanded immediate action against the accused, Akhilesh Shukla, and his wife, who have been arrested. The incident has raised concerns about discrimination against Marathi people and fueled tensions in the state.

Dashing SP's LoP hopes, BJP wins 4 of 5 seats in UP council poll

Dashing SP's LoP hopes, BJP wins 4 of 5 seats in UP council poll

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

Polling on three graduates and two teachers constituencies of the council was held on January 30 and counting of votes by ballot began on Thursday evening and was completed on Friday.

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is also credited with the creation of the Election Commission of India. An amendment he brought to the Constituent Assembly led to the establishment of the Election Commission as an independent body responsible for conducting elections. Ambedkar's amendment consolidated election authority into a centralized body, headed by a chief election commissioner appointed by the President, rather than separate commissions for the Centre and states. This article delves into the historical context and the importance of Ambedkar's contribution in establishing the Election Commission of India.

Naidu rejects demand to discuss MSP law in Rajya Sabha

Naidu rejects demand to discuss MSP law in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com3 Dec 2021

Rejecting these notices, the Chairman said, "I have not admitted (the notices) as there are other avenues to raise this matter in the House and some matters are local."

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

TMC nominates Sushmita Dev to Rajya Sabha

TMC nominates Sushmita Dev to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com14 Sep 2021

Dev, who was one of the national spokespersons of the grand-old party and its women's wing chief, switched over to the Mamata Banerjee-led camp last month.

Major ruckus in Parliament over 'Cong-Soros' link

Major ruckus in Parliament over 'Cong-Soros' link

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament were disrupted on Monday as the treasury benches accused top Congress leaders of colluding with billionaire investor George Soros to destabilise the country, triggering protests from opposition members.

'First time in history': Why Dhankhar blasted Kharge in RS

'First time in history': Why Dhankhar blasted Kharge in RS

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday expressed anguish over Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge trooping into the Well of the House during an opposition protest, saying it is for the first time that a person occupying the post has engaged in such conduct.

Biju Janata Dal backs Vaishnaw in RS polls; no alliance, says BJP

Biju Janata Dal backs Vaishnaw in RS polls; no alliance, says BJP

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The Biju Janata Dal on Wednesday announced its support for the candidature of Bharatiya Janata Party's Ashwini Vaishnaw in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren on Sunday met Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and staked claim to form the government, soon after leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in the state unanimously elected him as the legislature party leader.

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

BJP leaders in Maharashtra criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's joint rally in Mumbai, calling it a desperate attempt to revive their political fortunes ahead of civic polls. They accused the Thackerays of using the Marathi language issue as a guise to regain power and criticized their past actions.

UP horror: Wife, lover murder Dubai-returned man, chop body into two

UP horror: Wife, lover murder Dubai-returned man, chop body into two

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

A woman and her lover killed her husband in Uttar Pradesh, India, chopped his body in two, stuffed it in a suitcase, and dumped it in a field. This gruesome murder comes after a series of similar incidents in the state, including a case where a woman and her lover killed her husband and attempted to pass it off as a snakebite.

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing a multi-agency operation to track down three terrorists who have escaped multiple encounters. The operation has entered its 12th day and has seen the deployment of additional troops, aerial surveillance, and a crackdown on terrorist supporters.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

Naveen Patnaik announces four BJD candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Naveen Patnaik announces four BJD candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com29 May 2022

The announcement came on a day that marks the third anniversary of the Naveen Patnaik-led government's fifth tenure in the state.

Oppn submits notice for moving no-trust motion against 'partisan' Veep

Oppn submits notice for moving no-trust motion against 'partisan' Veep

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Opposition parties on Tuesday submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the House in a partisan manner.

CCTV shows Oppn RS MPs jostling with marshals

CCTV shows Oppn RS MPs jostling with marshals

Rediff.com12 Aug 2021

In the video footage, marshals can be seen forming a human shield to block Opposition MPs from going towards the Chairman's podium.

Parisa's Village Adventure: Bunnies, Fields And...

Parisa's Village Adventure: Bunnies, Fields And...

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

"Do you want to see real bunnies?" Parisa gasped in surprise. "Real ones?! Yes please!" So off they went, giggling, to the pet shelter behind one of the homes.

Both Houses adjourned for today over price issue

Both Houses adjourned for today over price issue

Rediff.com27 Jul 2010

The issue of price rise paralysed Parliament with an agitated opposition forcing adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day and repeated disruptions in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

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.