News for 'rajya sabha elections'

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

In a strategic move for the upcoming West Bengal elections, the BJP has announced its first candidate list, highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari challenging Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Attacks on Dalits: Opposition unites to stall Rajya Sabha

Attacks on Dalits: Opposition unites to stall Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com20 Jul 2016

Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Trinamool Congress competed with each other in trying to raise the issue more vociferously

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.

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.

Arunachal Pradesh row rocks Rajya Sabha again

Arunachal Pradesh row rocks Rajya Sabha again

Rediff.com17 Dec 2015

Congress members trooped into the Well raising slogans like 'We want justice', and 'Modi's dictatorship will not be allowed'. They also shouted slogans like "Killing of democracy will not be allowed in Arunachal" and "Killing of Constitution will not be allowed in Arunachal".

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A dispute has erupted between MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur mayoral elections, leading to a BJP victory despite Congress being the single largest party.

'Modiji Wanted To Speak To Me'

'Modiji Wanted To Speak To Me'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

'You can say it was a moment that can be described as unimaginable or unbelievable.'

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

How EPS, Stalin Keep Allies In Check

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

EPS' acceptance of Amit Shah's proposal for an electoral alliance with the BJP is being interpreted to mean how the AIADMK has signed up the NDA national leader as a junior partner. Not many have appreciated EPS for this strategic move that has now forced the BJP to play second fiddle to the AIADMK. This has meant that the BJP has buried its ambitions of capturing power in Tamil Nadu now, and is willing to wait until after the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Lok Sabha may see election for Speaker's post for 1st time since Independence

Lok Sabha may see election for Speaker's post for 1st time since Independence

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Since Independence, Lok Sabha Speakers have been chosen by consensus.

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Congress' Singhvi moves HC against defeat in RS poll through draw of lots

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee Harsh Mahajan won the February 27 election through draw of lots after both candidates secured 34 votes each

Uddhav Sena, MNS to announce tie-up for BMC polls on Wednesday

Uddhav Sena, MNS to announce tie-up for BMC polls on Wednesday

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are expected to announce an alliance for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections. The announcement is expected to be made at a press conference on Wednesday.

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Several leaders of the BJP and its allies are of the view that the NDA this time is unlikely to follow the instincts that made it pick Dhankhar and will be more conventional in its search for his successor.

After losing Baramati, Ajit Pawar's wife named for RS polls

After losing Baramati, Ajit Pawar's wife named for RS polls

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar on Thursday filed papers as an NCP candidate for Rajya Sabha elections.

Citizenship complaint politically motivated: Sonia Gandhi's counsel

Citizenship complaint politically motivated: Sonia Gandhi's counsel

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Sonia Gandhi's counsel argued in a Delhi court that a complaint alleging she was included in the electoral roll before acquiring Indian citizenship was politically motivated.

I support those who...: Fadnavis on BJP-Shiv Sena Spat

I support those who...: Fadnavis on BJP-Shiv Sena Spat

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Sindhudurg police on Saturday registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane, an MLA of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, for "trespassing" into a BJP supporter's house. The Shiv Sena leader had 'raided' the BJP supporter's home and claimed to have found bags of cash meant for distribution to voters ahead of civic polls.

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Barely two months before the Lok Sabha election, Gandhi will be filing her nomination papers in Jaipur on Wednesday. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are likely to accompany her.

CIA, Mossad plotted 2014 LS poll defeat, claims Cong leader

CIA, Mossad plotted 2014 LS poll defeat, claims Cong leader

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

'It was then that the game started. It was decided that under no circumstances, the seat tally of the Congress should increase from 206 in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls'

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Goa governor's role

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Goa governor's role

Rediff.com17 Mar 2017

Congress members alleged breach of propriety and constitutional norms in the consultations Goa Governor Mridula Sinha held with Jaitley.

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with US President Donald Trump, alleging that Modi is acting as Trump's 'slave' and jeopardising India's interests on trade, oil and foreign policy.

'Never Thought This Would Be Last Time I Met Ajit Pawar'

'Never Thought This Would Be Last Time I Met Ajit Pawar'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident.'

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

What India needs more than one simultaneous election is better governance both at the central and state level. Yes, we need reforms, but our priority should be to make elections less expensive, make it more democratic, do away with freebies which are actually bribes before elections, allow only those who are educated to contest, and bring in a bill to make it impossible for criminals to contest, advocates Ramesh Menon.

RS polls: Sonia Gandhi files nomination in Jaipur; Maken, Sanghvi in fray

RS polls: Sonia Gandhi files nomination in Jaipur; Maken, Sanghvi in fray

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The 77-year-old former Congress president is set to enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan.

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Rediff.com26 May 2025

A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is visiting key American nations to rally global support for India's counter-terror stance under Operation Sindoor, spotlighting regional stability and Pakistan-backed cross-border threats.

Monsoon session of Parl ends amid uproar; Modi hits out at Cong

Monsoon session of Parl ends amid uproar; Modi hits out at Cong

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The Monsoon session of Parliament concluded after facing disruptions and protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the disruptions, the government managed to pass key legislations.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.

After Shinde, BJP too moving its corporators to safer place: Raut

After Shinde, BJP too moving its corporators to safer place: Raut

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Shiv Sena has shifted its 29 members to a hotel in Mumbai, ostensibly for an orientation workshop to make them aware of the functioning of the country's richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Given Modi's track record from the time he became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, it is highly improbable that Nabin will get opportunities to display his individual capacity. Even the team of organisational leaders that he will 'appoint' in a few weeks or months, will unlikely to be his choice, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The vice president of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising the elected members and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

'Why Did PM Or Other Ministers Not Go To Dhankhar's House?

'Why Did PM Or Other Ministers Not Go To Dhankhar's House?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

'It is a crisis of BJP's own doing. This is an in-house fire.'

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, sparking a political blame game.

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President Dhankhar had in March this year undergone an angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Will Shashi Tharoor Succeed Dhankhar?

Will Shashi Tharoor Succeed Dhankhar?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

What piques the narrative is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah decide on crucial matters, they play it close to their chest, and revel in springing a surprise.

Rajya Sabha passes Lokpal Bill, Lok Sabha to debate it tomorrow

Rajya Sabha passes Lokpal Bill, Lok Sabha to debate it tomorrow

Rediff.com17 Dec 2013

After much delay, the landmark Lokpal Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Rajya Sabha, marking a step closer to enactment of a new law under which an anti-corruption ombudsman would be set up.

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The RSS which catapulted Jagdeep Dhankar to national prominence after 21 years of hibernation could not come to his rescue when BJP higher ups decided to seek his resignation, points out Prakash Bhandari.

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest Lok Sabha polls from...

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag -Rajouri constituency, his party Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) said.

No point staying together if...: Uddhav Thackeray on MVA alliance

No point staying together if...: Uddhav Thackeray on MVA alliance

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has questioned the rationale behind the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance if mistakes like delays in finalising seat-sharing agreements and selecting candidates during the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections are repeated.