News for 'rajya sabha'

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.

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Opposition had the numbers to win one Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. As it turned out, four MLAs skipped the voting, helping the NDA to sweep the polls.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

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.

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Will Nitish Kumar file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday morning?

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Raghav Chadha on the way out? AAP replaces him as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat to remove Raghav Chadha as the party's deputy leader in the House, proposing Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement, amidst Chadha's absence from key party events and prolonged silence on AAP matters.

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The TMC has written to the Election Commission alleging procedural irregularities in the scrutiny of nomination papers of BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate Rahul Sinha, claiming discrepancies in his election affidavit were overlooked.

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.

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Former Indian football captain I.M. Vijayan has declined offers from multiple political parties to contest in the upcoming elections, but would consider a Rajya Sabha nomination.

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.com5 Mar 2026

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.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

TMC Nominates Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha

TMC Nominates Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick for Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy, and Koel Mallick.

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.

CPR Takes Charge As Rajya Sabha Chairman

CPR Takes Charge As Rajya Sabha Chairman

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

C P Radhakrishnan formally assumed charge as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha after being sworn in as India's 15th Vice President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

How Did Rajya Sabha Perform Under Dhankhar?

How Did Rajya Sabha Perform Under Dhankhar?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

His term saw the lowest average of 57 hours.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Kamal Haasan sworn in as Rajya Sabha MP

Kamal Haasan sworn in as Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, along with three other newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs from Tamil Nadu, took oath as members of the House.

MHA notifies resignation of Dhankhar; Rajya Sabha informed

MHA notifies resignation of Dhankhar; Rajya Sabha informed

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Rajya Sabha was informed about the Ministry of Home Affairs' notification regarding the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, with immediate effect.

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Arora will have to resign from the Rajya Sabha if he wins the bypoll, the date for which is yet to be announced.

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

One Rajya Sabha seat is a small price to pay for all the skills that Kamal Haasan brings to the table, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Miam at a public meeting in Madurai in 2018.

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Rajya Sabha session was marred by heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches regarding the deployment of security personnel in the House. The session was adjourned amidst protests and accusations of undemocratic conduct.

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

'Silenced, not defeated': Raghav Chadha after AAP removes him as deputy leader in RS

Rediff.com1 days ago

AAP MP Raghav Chadha claims he was silenced after being removed as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, alleging his own party sought to prevent him from speaking in Parliament.

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hailed the party's performance in the Gujarat and Punjab bypolls, calling them a 'semi-final to 2027' and a clear sign that voters would reject both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.' 'Internal fighting strengthens our enemies and provides material to divide us.'

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rajya Sabha sets record with second-longest sitting in history

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament, witnessed its second-longest sitting in history on Thursday, lasting until 4:02 am the next day. The House convened to clear the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and approve the statutory resolution on the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. The longest sitting in Rajya Sabha history occurred on September 17, 1981, when the House sat until 4:43 am to pass the Essential Services Maintenance Bill.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Rediff.com5 days ago

Following his election to the Rajya Sabha, Nitish Kumar is set to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council, adhering to constitutional requirements and prompting speculation about future political strategies in Bihar.

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to achieve a clear majority in Rajya Sabha after bye-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month, which would help the party get the nod for key legislations such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Kharge's 'unparliamentary' remark

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar on Tuesday over an unparliamentary remark by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who apologized to the Chair while clarifying that it was meant for the government that was "trying to create a regional divide" in the country. The controversy stemmed from a statement by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who slammed the Tamil Nadu government for its stand on the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP). Kharge's use of a Hindi expression, deemed unparliamentary, sparked outrage from the treasury benches. He subsequently apologized for the remark, stating it was directed at the government's policies and not the Chair.

Rajya Sabha Gears Up For Face-Off

Rajya Sabha Gears Up For Face-Off

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

10 vacancies in the Upper House after Rajya Sabha members were elected to the Lok Sabha.

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Mallikarjun Kharge and Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging the contributions of retiring MPs and emphasising the enduring nature of public service.

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

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

Rediff.com7 hours ago

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

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has rejected a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he cited a 1948 government press release to authenticate his statement that a Congress leader was part of the management of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had moved the notice against Shah for "casting aspersions" on Congress Parliamentary Party head Sonia Gandhi.

BJP Close To 100 Mark In Rajya Sabha

BJP Close To 100 Mark In Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

The only occasion when the BJP had 100 seats in the Upper House was in 2022.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

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 days ago

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.

Rajya Sabha MPs Get Older, Richer

Rajya Sabha MPs Get Older, Richer

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

The richest Rajya Sabha MPs have gotten significantly richer -- to nearly quadruple from around Rs 20 crore in 2013 to nearly Rs 80 crore in 2022.

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.com3 days ago

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.

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.

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.