News for 'rajya sabha elections'

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

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.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai announced that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by Vijay's TVK, with discussions underway for ministerial posts and a Rajya Sabha seat.

Bypoll results see NDA inching closer to majority in Rajya Sabha

Bypoll results see NDA inching closer to majority in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian were elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha Tuesday along with senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi and former minister Upendra Kushwaha.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com2 days ago

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

Farooq Abdullah elected to Rajya Sabha

Farooq Abdullah elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Feb 2009

According to the returning officer, former chief minister and NC president, Dr Farooq Abdullah polled 27 votes while as Mohammad Shafi Uri got 25 votes in the third and final round of elections, held through Single Transferable Vote System.

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta After ED Raids on Punjab Minister

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta After ED Raids on Punjab Minister

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the BJP-led central government following ED raids on state minister Sanjeev Arora, alleging political harassment and misuse of central agencies.

Manmohan retires from Rajya Sabha

Manmohan retires from Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com15 Jun 2019

Will DMK send former PM to the Rajya Sabha next month?

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.com5 Mar 2026

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.

Gehlot, Vasundhara, Bommai, BSY Vote In Rajya Sabha Poll

Gehlot, Vasundhara, Bommai, BSY Vote In Rajya Sabha Poll

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

Polling for 16 Rajya Sabha seats in the four states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka was held on Friday, June 10, 2022, amid allegations of attempts at horse-trading by rival parties.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

'Picture abhi baaki hai': Raghav Chadha responds to AAP

'Picture abhi baaki hai': Raghav Chadha responds to AAP

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has responded to criticism that he has not adequately raised Punjab-related issues in Parliament by sharing a video showcasing his interventions on key concerns affecting the state.

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the restoration of his security cover after it was withdrawn following his defection from AAP to BJP. Singh cites a mob attack on his residence and potential threats as reasons for the plea.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

Battleground Rajya Sabha!

Battleground Rajya Sabha!

Rediff.com19 Dec 2014

It is not in the Lok Sabha, where the BJP has a clear majority, but the Rajya Sabha that the Opposition has ganged up to checkmate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plans.

Elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats announced

Elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats announced

Rediff.com23 Feb 2018

The members, whose terms are ending, include union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale.

'Ghayal hoon...': Raghav Chadha's 'Dhurandhar' dig at AAP

'Ghayal hoon...': Raghav Chadha's 'Dhurandhar' dig at AAP

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha refutes allegations of inaction in Parliament, asserting his commitment to raising public issues and creating impact.

Ruling BJP alliance to get majority in Rajya Sabha in April

Ruling BJP alliance to get majority in Rajya Sabha in April

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to get a majority in the Rajya Sabha in April this year, once the remaining six vacancies under the nominated category are filled and those newly elected take oath.

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.

5 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar

5 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar

Rediff.com31 Jan 2014

All 5 candidates, three from Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United and two from the opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party, were on Friday elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from the state.

Jagdeep Dhankar's Rajya Sabha Challenge

Jagdeep Dhankar's Rajya Sabha Challenge

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

As vice president and ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankar is inheriting a troubled legacy. Although the government faces no real numerical challenges in the Upper House, political and legal challenges are there aplenty.

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs to take oath on July 22

Newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs to take oath on July 22

Rediff.com17 Jul 2020

This is the first time that oath-taking of members will take place in the House chamber during the inter-session period so as to maintain norms of physical distancing due to COVID-19, officials said.

Can Jagdeep Dhankar Handle The Rajya Sabha?

Can Jagdeep Dhankar Handle The Rajya Sabha?

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

Running a fractious House full of members every bit as well versed in parliamentary law as the chair, has, in the past, reduced several Rajya Sabha chairmen to tears.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Parl to reconvene on Apr 16 to expand LS seats to implement women's quota

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that the government may bring a bill to increase seats in the Lok Sabha, potentially to implement reservation for women in the legislature. The Opposition has raised concerns about the timing and implications of the proposed bills.

EC cancels Rajya Sabha poll in Jharkhand

EC cancels Rajya Sabha poll in Jharkhand

Rediff.com31 Mar 2012

"The Commission is satisfied that the current election process for Rajya Sabha election from Jharkhand has been seriously vitiated and cannot be permitted to proceed," the 3-member EC headed by Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said in a 12-page order.

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.

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

In its list of 26 candidates for Thursday's assembly elections, 13 are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community -- a demographic that was at the centre of the original Assam agitation.

Swapan Dasgupta renominated to Rajya Sabha

Swapan Dasgupta renominated to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

The former journalist unsuccessfully contested the recent West Bengal assembly elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.

Ahmed Patel, Smriti file Rajya Sabha nominations

Ahmed Patel, Smriti file Rajya Sabha nominations

Rediff.com11 Jul 2011

Gujarat Assembly has issued notification for elections to three seats of Rajya Sabha, to be held on July 22. Elections were necessitated as terms of Patel and BJP MPs Surendra Patel and Pravin Nayak would end in August.

Elections for 19 Rajya Sabha seats on Friday

Elections for 19 Rajya Sabha seats on Friday

Rediff.com18 Jun 2020

Elections for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across eight states will be held on Friday with the contest in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan promising to be a close affair between the BJP and the Congress.

Amid impasse over Rajya Sabha nominees, Kumaraswamy reaches out to Cong

Amid impasse over Rajya Sabha nominees, Kumaraswamy reaches out to Cong

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Ignoring JD-S' request for support, the Congress did not withdraw its second candidate Khan from the fray and issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to vote for the party's candidates.

Sunetra Pawar set to become Maha's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar set to become Maha's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, widow of late Ajit Pawar, is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, replacing her husband in the state cabinet. Her appointment follows a meeting of the NCP legislature wing where she is expected to be named as its leader.

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The JD(U) stated that it supported the BJP for the Bihar chief minister's post to reciprocate past support, as the new government prepares for a vote of confidence.

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Staging Jhalmuri Purchase

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' during a campaign stop, alleging it was a staged event for cameras. She also accused the BJP of aiding Independents from the minority community and criticised the Election Commission over voter roll revisions.

Rahul Bajaj elected to Rajya Sabha

Rahul Bajaj elected to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com15 Jun 2006

The election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan.