News for 'rajya-sabha'

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making 'working knowledge of Marathi language' mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of driving licences.

Monsoon session of Parliament to begin from July 20

Monsoon session of Parliament to begin from July 20

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Monsoon Session of Parliament for 2026 is scheduled from July 20 to August 13, with significant political developments expected following recent assembly poll results and internal party rebellions. The session will see the ruling NDA's strengthened position in the Rajya Sabha and potential redrafting of a key Constitution amendment bill.

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and "police excesses" against student protesters. The INDIA bloc vowed to continue their agitation, demanding accountability from the government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, on these issues.

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vehicle was surrounded by protesters, who allegedly hurled mud, slippers, and stones, while shouting 'chor' (thief) and 'dakait rani' (queen of thieves) slogans during her visit to Halisahar.

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Ram temple theft row, CJP protest mar first day of Parliament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Opposition parties disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, leading to multiple adjournments. Protests focused on the alleged NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft issues, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The House was eventually adjourned for the day after repeated appeals for order failed.

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.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com4 days ago

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, following a similar meeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Recent resignations and new organisational appointments for some ministers are contributing to the buzz.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

Quit Before July 21: Mamata Tells Rebels

Quit Before July 21: Mamata Tells Rebels

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Those under pressure from the BJP and the police, or due to court cases, the ED, CBI, CID, local police officers, or the STF, I request that you make your decision before July 21.'

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.

Govt is cruel for ignoring Wangchuk, says Dipke as fast enters 18th day

Govt is cruel for ignoring Wangchuk, says Dipke as fast enters 18th day

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is deteriorating on the 18th day of his hunger strike, with his weight dropping significantly and vital signs requiring continuous monitoring. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has accused the government of 'cruelty' for its refusal to engage in dialogue regarding alleged NEET irregularities, intensifying calls for accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Sukhen Shekhar Ray has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and his parliamentary seat, adding to the party's ongoing internal crisis and political turmoil.

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

Rediff.com3 days ago

A sophisticated cross-bank syndicate is systematically defrauding non-resident Indians (NRIs) and elderly citizens by exploiting their fixed deposits through forged documents and fictitious loans, often involving colluding bank employees and real estate deals.

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, which was dismissed due to alleged concealment of information in her election affidavit.

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Yuvraj Singh urges dialogue and harmony amid NEET protests

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has appealed for peace and dialogue amid the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, urging people to work towards an amicable solution.

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress and BJP are engaged in a political spat over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill and its proposed link to delimitation, with Rahul Gandhi urging unconditional implementation of the 2023 law and Kiren Rijiju highlighting the constitutional requirement for delimitation based on post-2026 census figures.

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's public sector banks (PSBs) have seen their net profit nearly treble over the past five years, reaching a record Rs 1.98 trillion in FY26, driven by significant improvements in asset quality and sustained lending growth across key economic sectors.

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has dismissed allegations of 'seat theft' in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, asserting that Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was deliberately undermined by her own party leaders who were vying for the same seat.

Sena MP moves NCW against Sanjay Raut over abusive language

Sena MP moves NCW against Sanjay Raut over abusive language

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Jyoti Waghmare has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) against UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut, alleging continuous use of abusive language and public insult of women representatives. Waghmare has sought the registration of a criminal case against Raut, citing his conduct over the past four years and its negative impact on Maharashtra's political culture.

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

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.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

Modi breaks silence on NEET row, calls paper leaks 'ghor paap'

Modi breaks silence on NEET row, calls paper leaks 'ghor paap'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed strong action against NEET paper leak culprits and urged state governments to collaborate with the Centre to prevent future incidents, emphasising national interest over party politics. He highlighted the successful re-examination and arrests made.

Pradhan's resignation non-negotiable, stir to continue: CJP

Pradhan's resignation non-negotiable, stir to continue: CJP

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das has termed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' amidst ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for an in-depth discussion on the issue in Parliament.

How Prashant Kishor Shattered BJP Fortress In Bankipur

How Prashant Kishor Shattered BJP Fortress In Bankipur

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Prashant Kishor's stunning Bankipur victory has broken the BJP's three-decade dominance in one of its safest urban strongholds, signalling a major political shift in Bihar.

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Why Sharad Pawar Has Not Joined BJP Yet

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

At this point at 85, Sharad Pawar is like a mature but ageing trapeze artist who is assessing if he will still land on his feet if he jumps from the safe perch of INDIA to the NDA. Can a Great Betrayal be presented as a tactical move? Watch Sharad Pawar do it, predicts Aditi Phadnis.

Fake GST Credit Jumps To Rs 75,000 Cr In FY26

Fake GST Credit Jumps To Rs 75,000 Cr In FY26

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Central tax authorities detected input tax credit (ITC) fraud worth Rs 74,781.56 crore across 30,162 cases in FY26, more than doubling the number of cases from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Oppn's symbolic walk-out from all-party meet signals stormy monsoon session

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Sunday saw the entire opposition staging a symbolic walkout over the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs and a demand for a discussion on the issues of Ram temple donation 'theft', NEET paper leak and mixing of ethanol in petrol.

No grounds to reject Natarajan's nomination: Former MP Assembly official

No grounds to reject Natarajan's nomination: Former MP Assembly official

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A former principal secretary of the Madhya Pradesh assembly, Bhagwandev Israni, has claimed that Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha poll nomination was wrongly rejected, arguing she was not required to disclose information as no FIR or chargesheet had been filed against her.

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has announced his decision to contest the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. He frames the bypoll as a "referendum" on the performance of the current BJP-led government under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Kishor, a former poll strategist, aims to challenge the established parties in a seat traditionally held by the BJP.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

TMC revolt brings NDA closer to two-thirds mark in RS; LS goal distant

TMC revolt brings NDA closer to two-thirds mark in RS; LS goal distant

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A rebellion within the Trinamool Congress is expected to significantly increase the NDA's numbers in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, bringing the ruling alliance closer to a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. This shift is driven by upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, TMC MP resignations, and potential support from defecting TMC Lok Sabha members.

Cong insiders provided info against Meenakshi Natarajan: Vijayvargiya

Cong insiders provided info against Meenakshi Natarajan: Vijayvargiya

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh was rejected due to an incomplete affidavit, failing to disclose a court complaint from Telangana. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed Congress members from Telangana provided the information, highlighting internal party strife.

Derek O'Brien questions ED action, asks why not freeze temple funds too?

Derek O'Brien questions ED action, asks why not freeze temple funds too?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien questioned the Enforcement Directorate's decision to freeze three of the party's bank accounts, worth Rs 440 crore, under the anti-money laundering law. He controversially asked when the ED would freeze "temple funds," in an apparent reference to alleged financial irregularities at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, amidst opposition demands for a judicial probe into the matter.