News for 'rajya sabha elections'

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces challenges after recent state election defeats for key members like TMC and DMK, potentially shifting internal dynamics and leadership considerations.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

Oppn strength in Rajya Sabha to weaken further

Oppn strength in Rajya Sabha to weaken further

Rediff.com16 Feb 2020

There is speculation that the Congress may bring Priyanka Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Randeep Surjewala and RPN Singh, among others, to the upper house.

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Rajya Sabha passes Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill

Rajya Sabha passes Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday gave its green light to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023. This Bill introduces significant amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act. These modifications aim to enhance the transparency and accountability of these cooperatives' operations in a bid to improve governance.

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned, dissolving his cabinet and paving the way for a potential BJP-led government in the state. The BJP, the largest party in the assembly, is set to elect its legislature party leader.

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Oscar Fernandes, Venkaiah elected to Rajya Sabha

Oscar Fernandes, Venkaiah elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 Jun 2004

But Congress' Kiran Chaudhary and BJP's Shakuntala Hegde lost in a close contest in the biennial elections.

Jaitley named Leader of Rajya Sabha, Azad leader of Opposition

Jaitley named Leader of Rajya Sabha, Azad leader of Opposition

Rediff.com9 Jun 2014

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was on Monday named as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, while Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad was declared the Leader of the Opposition.

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has joined the Janata Dal (United) and committed to strengthening the party's organisation. His entry into politics sparks speculation about a future role in the state government.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.

NDA widens gap with Opposition in Rajya Sabha

NDA widens gap with Opposition in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Jun 2020

The BJP-led NDA now has nearly 100 members in the 245-member House. If the support of friendly parties like the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (9), Biju Janata Dal (9), Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (6), and several allied nominated members and smaller parties is counted, then the Modi government is unlikely to face any serious numerical challenge there.

Nishad disqualified from Rajya Sabha

Nishad disqualified from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Mar 2008

Nishad had campaigned for the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the assembly elections in Bihar in 2005 despite being a member of the BJP, which had prompted party member Sushma Swaraj to file a disqualification petition against him in December that year. Ansari disagreed with Nishad's contention that he had tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party on 18 October, 2005 'in an agitated mental condition', which he later withdrew by a letter dated 17 Nov '05.

All eyes on rare contest to elect Rajya Sabha's deputy chairman

All eyes on rare contest to elect Rajya Sabha's deputy chairman

Rediff.com7 Aug 2018

The election to the post is mostly decided by consensus, but opposition leaders complain that the Narendra Modi government was yet to reach out to them, reports Archis Mohan.

Kanimozhi elected to Rajya Sabha from TN

Kanimozhi elected to Rajya Sabha from TN

Rediff.com6 Jun 2007

Communist Party of India national secretary D Raja was also among the 6 to elected to the Rajya Sabha from TN.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

G-23 leaders among possible Congress nominees for Rajya Sabha

G-23 leaders among possible Congress nominees for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 May 2022

Senior leader P Chidambaram whose Rajya Sabha tenure is ending from Maharashtra is under consideration from Tamil Nadu as the Congress is all set to get the support of alliance partner the DMK. The G-23 leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Vivek Tankha, are also said to be in contention.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

Odisha Police Visit BJD MLA's Residence Amidst Husband's Threat Allegations

Odisha Police Visit BJD MLA's Residence Amidst Husband's Threat Allegations

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Odisha Police visited the residence of BJD MLA Manorama Mohanty in connection with a case against her husband for allegedly threatening a tehsildar. The MLA alleges political vendetta and misconduct by the police, while the BJP calls for due process.

Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids In Andhra Liquor Scam

Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids In Andhra Liquor Scam

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh searches in connection with its ongoing probe into the Andhra Pradesh liquor "scam", which allegedly occurred under the previous YSRCP government in the state.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Newly-elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state.

Jaishankar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Jaishankar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Rediff.com8 Jul 2019

The 1977-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer took oath in English after which he greeted the Chairman and other members present in the House.

BJP-JJP MLAs in Haryana shifted to resort ahead of Rajya Sabha polls

BJP-JJP MLAs in Haryana shifted to resort ahead of Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Speaking to the reporters on Wednesday, Minister J P Dalal said that they have called all the MLAs to make the new MLAs understand on the polling procedure.

Kanimozhi files nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

Kanimozhi files nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com15 Jun 2013

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Saturday re-nominated sitting MP M Kanimozhi, daughter of party president M Karunanidhi as its candidate for the June 27 Rajya Sabha elections for six seats, hoping to drum up support from other parties to ensure a second term for her.

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has issued a stern notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist'. Kharge has been asked to explain his remarks within 24 hours.

Azad made leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha

Azad made leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com8 Jun 2014

Former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday appeared all set to become Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha after his appointment as Leader of Congress in the Upper House.

Delhi services bill introduced in Rajya Sabha

Delhi services bill introduced in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com7 Aug 2023

Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for consideration after the Upper House, which was adjourned earlier in the pre-lunch session, reassembled at 2 pm.

193 Oppn MPs sign notice seeking CEC's removal, submission on Friday

193 Oppn MPs sign notice seeking CEC's removal, submission on Friday

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Over 130 Lok Sabha and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs have signed notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Oppn MPs submit notices in LS, RS seeking motion for removal of CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay's request seeking support.

RJD to support JD-U in Rajya Sabha bye-elections

RJD to support JD-U in Rajya Sabha bye-elections

Rediff.com18 Jun 2014

Ignoring strong reservations by some senior party leaders and members of Legislative Assembly, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday announced his party's support to the ruling party's two candidates in the Rajya Sabha bye-election.

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has announced a new list of national office bearers for the party, including a vice president and 11 general secretaries. The list does not include Kumar's son Nishant. Sanjay Kumar Jha remains the national working president.

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

JD-U lawmakers voiced their concerns over Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, while also welcoming the imminent political debut of his son, Nishant, amidst speculation about the future leadership of the state.

Swapan Dasgupta tenders resignation as Rajya Sabha member

Swapan Dasgupta tenders resignation as Rajya Sabha member

Rediff.com16 Mar 2021

Sources stated that the move comes even as Trinamool Congress has attempted to stir a controversy over Dasgupta's candidature. BJP has fielded Swapan Dasgupta from Tarakeswar Assembly constituency in Hoogly district.

P J Kurien elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

P J Kurien elected Rajya Sabha deputy chairman

Rediff.com21 Aug 2012

Setting aside their confrontation over the CAG report on coal block allocation, opposition and the ruling dispensation on Tuesday got together in a rare show to unanimously elect Congress leader P J Kurien as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

12% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires, AP, T'gana top table: Report

12% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires, AP, T'gana top table: Report

Rediff.com18 Aug 2023

The total assets of seven Members of Parliament analysed from Telangana is Rs 5,596 crore, that of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh is Rs 3,823 crore, and 30 MPs analysed from Uttar Pradesh have total assets worth Rs 1,941 crore.

Harbhajan, Chadha among 5 AAP candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Harbhajan, Chadha among 5 AAP candidates for Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

The Aam Aadmi Party has nominated former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Lovely Professional University founder Ashok Mittal, AAP MLA Raghav Chadha, IIT Delhi faculty Sandeep Pathak and industrialist Sanjeev Arora for the March 31 Rajya Sabha polls.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.