News for 'rajya sabha elections'

'Need to stop somewhere': Pawar's big retirement hint

'Need to stop somewhere': Pawar's big retirement hint

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

In an apparent dig at Ajit, Pawar senior said if someone keeps saying he will take everything, people may not say anything but will disapprove of it.

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Satyapal Malik: From loyalist to outspoken critic

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Veteran politician Satyapal Malik, who served as governor of multiple states and later became a vocal critic of the government, has died at the age of 79.

President's Rule in Manipur extended by 6 months

President's Rule in Manipur extended by 6 months

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Parliament has approved a resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, amidst opposition protests regarding electoral roll revisions in Bihar. The extension comes after the imposition of President's Rule in February due to ongoing ethnic conflict.

BJP fields 8th RS candidate in UP, targets SP's votes

BJP fields 8th RS candidate in UP, targets SP's votes

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

An eighth BJP candidate on Thursday filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, setting the stage for a contest with the Samajwadi Party on February 27.

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A delegation of Opposition leaders in Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, met with the state's chief electoral officer to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the poll process, particularly regarding the voters' list, ahead of local body elections.

'It may cost...': Dissent in NDA over Bihar seat-sharing pact

'It may cost...': Dissent in NDA over Bihar seat-sharing pact

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Smaller allies of the ruling NDA in Bihar, including HAM and RLM, have expressed resentment over the seat-sharing arrangements announced for the upcoming assembly elections, raising concerns about the alliance's unity.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

'Raj Thackeray wants Cong on board': Raut hints at MNS joining MVA

'Raj Thackeray wants Cong on board': Raut hints at MNS joining MVA

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Following Raut's statement, the MNS, however, said the party's stand is decided by its chief.

Bhujbal sulks over RS ticket to Sunetra, Ajit Pawar says he isn't upset

Bhujbal sulks over RS ticket to Sunetra, Ajit Pawar says he isn't upset

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said the decision to field his wife for Rajya Sabha bypoll was taken by his Nationalist Congress Party's apex body and denied reports that senior colleague Chhagan Bhujbal was upset over the move.

Maha Oppn to protest on Nov 1 asking EC to remove 1 cr bogus voters

Maha Oppn to protest on Nov 1 asking EC to remove 1 cr bogus voters

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

He said that ruling party MLAs Manda Mhatre (BJP) and Sanjay Gaikwad (Shiv Sena) have also spoken about the duplication of voters and irregularities in the electoral rolls.

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticizes the government's focus on cross-voting in the vice presidential poll, urging attention to issues like US tariffs, Manipur violence, and MGNREGA funds.

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

I will apologise if...: Kamal Haasan on Kannada row

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Kamal Haasan stoked a controversy during the audio launch event for his film Thug Life in Chennai, by remarking that Kannada was born out of Tamil.

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Amidst speculation over the NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distributed JD(U) tickets, while the BJP announced its first list of candidates. The INDIA bloc also faces internal challenges as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

Women's quota bill likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

Women's quota bill likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

The women's Reservation Bill is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing special session of the Parliament and in Rajya Sabha on September 21, government sources said.

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

'If NDA Manipulates Elections, They May Return To Power'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'They have no chance of winning if free and fair polls are conducted.'

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Kerala minister M A Baby was elected as the CPI(M) general secretary at the 24th party congress in Madurai. Baby, who was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998, has been a member of the Politburo since 2012. He succeeds Sitaram Yechury, who passed away last year.

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

'How many more people should die?': Oppn demands Shah's resignation

'How many more people should die?': Oppn demands Shah's resignation

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticizes Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him 'incompetent' and demanding his resignation following a deadly blast in Delhi, citing intelligence failure and lack of accountability.

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A 39-member parliamentary panel has been constituted to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The panel, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, will include prominent members from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK. The panel is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session. The government has decided to increase the committee's strength to include more political parties, highlighting the significance of this proposal to reform the election process in India.

Radhakrishnan's VP role signals BJP's South, OBC push

Radhakrishnan's VP role signals BJP's South, OBC push

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, with strong roots in the RSS and BJP, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. His rich political and administrative experience will be valuable as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

No more support to BJP, only opposition, declares BJD

No more support to BJP, only opposition, declares BJD

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The BJD not only supported the BJP in Parliament on different issues over the last few years but also helped Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw get elected to Rajya Sabha in 2019 and 2024.

RSS march allowed in Kharge's stronghold, conditions apply

RSS march allowed in Kharge's stronghold, conditions apply

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The Yadgir district administration has granted conditional permission for an RSS route march in Gurmitkal town, the constituency of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The march is part of the RSS centenary celebrations and is subject to several conditions to maintain peace and order.

More to Dhankhar's resignation than health issues: Congress

More to Dhankhar's resignation than health issues: Congress

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Congress on Tuesday claimed that there are "far deeper reasons" for Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as the vice president than the health reasons cited by him, and said his resignation speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected to the post.

Govt may not discuss Bihar SIR in Parliament

Govt may not discuss Bihar SIR in Parliament

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defends Parliament's inability to discuss the Election Commission's functioning, citing a former speaker's ruling. The Opposition's demand to discuss the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls continues to disrupt the Monsoon session.

Maha Guv CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate

Maha Guv CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated Maharashta Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as their candidate for Vice-President of India. The announcement was made by BJP President J P Nadda, highlighting Radhakrishnan's extensive public service and cross-party respect.

Opposition stage walkout in Rajya Sabha on Gaza violence

Opposition stage walkout in Rajya Sabha on Gaza violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2014

Opposition parties on Monday staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha after their demand for a resolution on Gaza was not accepted.

TMC names Saket Gokhale for RS, drops Sushmita Dev

TMC names Saket Gokhale for RS, drops Sushmita Dev

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

The Election Commission of India has announced that elections for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Goa, Gujarat, and West Bengal will be held on July 24.

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

UP's representation in the government could diminish, given the BJP's decreased seat count in that state.

'Electoral Bonds Not To Affect Lok Sabha Polls'

'Electoral Bonds Not To Affect Lok Sabha Polls'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

'Election funding needs a little more transparency.'

Amid rumblings in alliance, Ajit Pawar meets Amit Shah

Amid rumblings in alliance, Ajit Pawar meets Amit Shah

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has held a meeting with Union Home Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah in Delhi.

Will form govt alone: AIADMK leader days after tie-up with BJP

Will form govt alone: AIADMK leader days after tie-up with BJP

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai has asserted that there will be no coalition government in Tamil Nadu in 2026, with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami forming a government "alone." He said this in response to reporters' queries on the possibility of a coalition government if the NDA wins the 2026 Assembly election. Thambidurai stated that Tamil Nadu has never had a coalition government, citing the examples of Congress leaders C Rajagopalachari and K Kamaraj, as well as Dravidian stalwarts M G Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. He further clarified that Palaniswami's previous statement regarding a coalition government was misinterpreted by the media.

JD-U, BJP discuss seat sacrifice to calm restive allies

JD-U, BJP discuss seat sacrifice to calm restive allies

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Having struck a seat-sharing deal, leaders of the Janata Dal-United and the Bharatiya Janata Party sat across the table in Patna on Monday to thrash out, among other things, constituencies they planned to swap or give up in favour of smaller allies in Bihar.

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Opposition parties in India are demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. They raised concerns about federalism, national security, and the purity of voter lists during an all-party meeting.

Won't work for Congress any more: Ahmed Patel's son Faisal

Won't work for Congress any more: Ahmed Patel's son Faisal

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Faisal Patel, son of late Congress stalwart Ahmed Patel, has announced he will stop working for the grand old party, claiming that he tried to follow in his father's footsteps but was denied at every step. Ahmed Patel, who had served as a Rajya Sabha MP, All Indian Congress Committee treasurer and former party president Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, died in November 2020. Faisal had aspired to contest from the Bharuch seat in Gujarat in last year's Lok Sabha elections but the Congress did not nominate him.

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Parliament passes National Sports Bill after extensive discussion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

INDIA bloc to move SC over EVM concerns in Maharashtra polls

INDIA bloc to move SC over EVM concerns in Maharashtra polls

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Meanwhile, the Congress' data analytics department chairperson Praveen Chakravarty on Tuesday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, seeking assembly-wise voter rolls in excel sheet format for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly polls in Maharashtra.

Phase 2 of Bihar polls tomorrow, Nitish ministers in fray

Phase 2 of Bihar polls tomorrow, Nitish ministers in fray

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Electoral fortunes of 1,302 candidates, including over half a dozen ministers in the Nitish Kumar government, will be sealed on Tuesday with 3.70 crore voters eligible to exercise their franchise across 122 assembly segments in the second and final phase of the Bihar polls.

Centre upgrades EPS security to Z-Plus post threat assessment

Centre upgrades EPS security to Z-Plus post threat assessment

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

The decision comes amid an assessment of potential security threats and follows standard protocol based on inputs from central security agencies.