News for 'Upper House'

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.

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.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com2 days ago

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

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.

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian government is unlikely to allow a parliamentary debate on the West Asia crisis, citing prior briefings by the External Affairs Minister. This decision comes amid opposition protests and a pending no-confidence motion against the Speaker.

Advantage BJP in March 16 Rajya Sabha polls to 37 seats

Advantage BJP in March 16 Rajya Sabha polls to 37 seats

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Rajya Sabha elections 2024, setting the stage for polls to fill 37 seats across 10 states on March 16.

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has nominated Sanjay Bhatia, its former MP from Karnal, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha poll from Haryana. This decision comes as two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana are set to fall vacant, prompting elections scheduled for March 16.

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

Rediff.com2 days ago

Opposition parties are demanding a full Parliament discussion on the West Asia conflict, criticising the government's silence and calling for a contingency plan to protect India's energy security and citizens.

It's official: Merger talks between NCP factions over

It's official: Merger talks between NCP factions over

Rediff.com7 days ago

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil has ruled out the possibility of a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, stating that talks ceased following the death of Ajit Pawar.

Kerala Couple Found Dead Amid Financial Struggles: Police Investigate

Kerala Couple Found Dead Amid Financial Struggles: Police Investigate

Rediff.com2 days ago

A couple was found dead in a rented house in Kottayam, Kerala, with police suspecting suicide due to financial difficulties. The couple's child was found unharmed at the scene.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com6 days ago

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

TN to get back Upper House

TN to get back Upper House

Rediff.com24 May 2006

The Legislative Council was abolished 20 years ago.

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Kharge condemned the use of the "abodh balak" term for Gandhi and alleged that BJP MPs can't even speak their mind.

NCP-SP skips MVA meet ahead of Maharashtra Budget Session

NCP-SP skips MVA meet ahead of Maharashtra Budget Session

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

The absence of NCP-SP leaders from a key Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting in Maharashtra has ignited concerns about opposition unity ahead of the crucial budget session and upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 cr for Parliament

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget allocates Rs 1,492 crore for the functioning of both Houses of Parliament, with specific provisions for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and related secretariats.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com6 days ago

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

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.

Karnataka govt opens salon after Dalits denied haircuts

Karnataka govt opens salon after Dalits denied haircuts

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Karnataka government intervened to open a salon in Shingatalur village after Dalits were allegedly denied haircuts by upper-caste residents due to discriminatory practices.

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Nitish allows son to join politics, RS nomination likely

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to enter politics, with a formal announcement expected from the JD(U). Party leaders express enthusiasm and anticipate a significant role for Nishant within the party.

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Veteran politician and former railway minister Mukul Roy, a key figure in West Bengal politics, has died due to cardiac arrest, marking the end of a significant era.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Rediff.com7 days ago

Speculation is rife in Bihar about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar potentially moving to the Rajya Sabha, leading to discussions about a possible BJP chief minister and a role for Kumar's son, Nishant. Senior BJP leaders have dismissed the rumours.

What Nehru told Cong MPs in 1954 Speaker removal debate

What Nehru told Cong MPs in 1954 Speaker removal debate

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The first such situation surfaced on December 18, 1954, when the Opposition moved a resolution for the removal of then Speaker Mavalankar.

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 government Bills pending, with the oldest dating back to 1992. These bills cover a range of issues including population control, rent control, seed quality, migrant workers, and tribal autonomy.

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Maharashtra's political leaders, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, paid tribute to the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar during the state legislature's budget session, remembering him as a capable leader and administrator.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are protesting the denial of speaking rights to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during discussions on the President's address. The Congress party draws parallels to a similar incident in 2004 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking.

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan addressed members, urging them to uphold the Constitution, follow parliamentary norms, and understand their responsibilities towards the nation.

Locked in cowshed by upper caste women, Dalit boy ends life

Locked in cowshed by upper caste women, Dalit boy ends life

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

A 12-year-old Dalit boy in Shimla district allegedly died by suicide after being harassed by upper caste women for entering their house. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

Shinde seeks chief whip's post in Maha upper house held by Uddhav man

Shinde seeks chief whip's post in Maha upper house held by Uddhav man

Rediff.com28 Feb 2023

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has written a letter to the state legislative council's deputy chairperson seeking that Viplove Bajoria be made the Shiv Sena's chief whip in the Upper House, a move apparently aimed at further cornering the faction led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Boong, The Manipur Film That Won A BAFTA

Boong, The Manipur Film That Won A BAFTA

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'This story has been always there since my childhood because of missing people.' 'I remember a family member who disappeared and I kept wondering what happened to him.'

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Parliament is set to debate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and election reforms, with key discussions led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready to discuss the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, but cautioned the Opposition against setting timelines. This comes after the Opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the matter, citing concerns over the safety of BLOs and the importance of the issue for democracy.

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is open to discussing electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha, urging the Opposition not to impose a timeline. Opposition parties staged a walkout after demanding an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

India is bidding to become an Olympic host in 2036 and the International Olympic Committee has made it clear that the country will have to considerably improve its current doping record.

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Uproar in Parl as Kharge raises Dhankhar's 'sudden exit'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, while also urging him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally. He also mentioned the previous Chairman, triggering protests.

BSP on a sticky wicket in UP upper house

BSP on a sticky wicket in UP upper house

Rediff.com16 May 2007

However, constitutional experts say it was not the first time such thing had happened and there is nothing serious if the upper house does not approve the bills.

Eggs thrown at garba event at Maha housing society

Eggs thrown at garba event at Maha housing society

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The suspect was seen on the grounds shortly before the incident, checking the decibel levels and filming the Garba with his mobile phone. He had called the police several times to stop the programme, citing noise concerns, the official said.

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

If Xi Jinping can establish control over the PLA Ground Force, relations between India and China will settle down to an even keel. The next few weeks will show whether Xi has finally succeeded in gaining control over the PLA Ground Force. That could bring about the substantive shift in India-China relations that both our leaders have been working for, observes Ambassador Prabhat Shukla.