News for 'speaker'

Pro-tem Speaker row: Rijiju meets TMC's Sudip amid face-off with Oppn

Pro-tem Speaker row: Rijiju meets TMC's Sudip amid face-off with Oppn

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Rijiju's meeting with Bandyopadhyay came against the backdrop of the Opposition alliance's decision to pull out its members from the panel of chairpersons that will assist Mahtab in conducting the proceedings of the Lok Sabha till the election of the Speaker on Wednesday.

Assam assembly scraps two-hour namaaz break for Muslim MLAs

Assam assembly scraps two-hour namaaz break for Muslim MLAs

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Assam Assembly has discontinued the decades-old practice of a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim legislators to offer 'namaz'. The decision, which was made in August but implemented this session, has been met with criticism from opposition MLAs who argue that it was imposed by the ruling BJP. The decision was taken by the House's Rules Committee, which was headed by the Speaker, and was justified as a move to promote secularism and productivity.

Ex-Maha CM, LS speaker Manohar Joshi passes away

Ex-Maha CM, LS speaker Manohar Joshi passes away

Rediff.com24 Feb 2024

His political career began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and he later became a member of the Shiv Sena.

Atishi claims AAP MLAs barred from entering Delhi assembly

Atishi claims AAP MLAs barred from entering Delhi assembly

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

With 'dafli' beats in the background, AAP leaders held placards with photos of Ambedkar and raised slogans against the ruling party -- "BJP sun le, Jai Bhim, Jai Bhim" ... "BJP ki tanashahi nahin chalegi (BJP's dictatorship won't work)".

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

Trump Launches Trade War

Trump Launches Trade War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

United States President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on most US imports, with even higher rates for China (34%), India (26%), Japan (24%) and the EU (20%), escalating a global trade war.

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and urged Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a select committee of the House. Opposition members opposed the Bill at the introduction stage but the House passed a motion by voice vote for its introduction.

Sena disqualification pleas: SC gives Maharashtra speaker 10 more days

Sena disqualification pleas: SC gives Maharashtra speaker 10 more days

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The top court, which extended time till January 10, next year, had earlier asked the speaker to decide the disqualification pleas by December 31.

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The report on the alleged liquor scam, a hot button issue in the run-up to the elections, claimed a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 941.53 crore, saying timely permissions were not taken for opening the liquor vends in non-conforming municipal wards.

Ruckus in Parliament over deportation of Indians from US

Ruckus in Parliament over deportation of Indians from US

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump government as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants.

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Bill pertaining to four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts for the President's assent, citing constitutional concerns. The Bill, which has been a subject of controversy in Karnataka, was passed by both houses of the state legislature amid protests from the opposition BJP. The Governor's decision to reserve the Bill highlights the ongoing debate over the constitutionality of religious-based reservations in India.

'Dragged its feet': HC 'questions bona fides' of Delhi govt

'Dragged its feet': HC 'questions bona fides' of Delhi govt

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Delhi high court on Monday said the state government dragged its feet on the issue of tabling of several Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports before the assembly, raising 'doubts on its bona fides'.

Maha speaker acted as Shinde's lawyer: Shiv Sena

Maha speaker acted as Shinde's lawyer: Shiv Sena

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

The speaker's order was pre-decided, it further claimed, adding that there was nothing to be shocked about it.

Collusion between judge, accused: Uddhav targets speaker ahead of ruling

Collusion between judge, accused: Uddhav targets speaker ahead of ruling

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

The Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his party has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court objecting to a meeting between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar before the crucial verdict on disqualification petitions against rival Sena MLAs, including the CM.

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to not release any water from its share to Haryana, citing the state's water scarcity. The resolution also demanded the reorganization of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the repeal of the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The decision comes amid a stand-off between the two states over the distribution of water from the Bhakra dam. The resolution was moved by Punjab's Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, who accused the BJP of trying to take away Punjab's water rights. The resolution was supported by all parties, including the opposition, which termed the Dam Safety Act of 2021 as an "attack" on the rights of Punjab. The resolution also criticized the BBMB, calling it a "puppet" of the BJP-led central government. The Punjab government maintains that the state does not have surplus water to spare and needs it for the upcoming paddy sowing season. The resolution has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, which has accused the Punjab government of politicising the issue.

Speaker recognises Rahul as LOP; his first constitutional role

Speaker recognises Rahul as LOP; his first constitutional role

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recognised Rahul Gandhi as the leader of opposition on Wednesday, a day after the Congress communicated its decision to name him for the position to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Delhi minister suspends engineer over poor desilting of drain

Delhi minister suspends engineer over poor desilting of drain

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The minister's remarks came a day after Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta wrote to chief secretary Dharmendra over Delhi government officials allegedly not responding to letters, phone calls or messages by the MLAs.

Maha speaker gets more time to decide on pleas against Ajit Pawar

Maha speaker gets more time to decide on pleas against Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the office of the speaker, that some more time will be needed to pass orders on the disqualification pleas.

12 AAP MLAs suspended amid spar over Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh portraits

12 AAP MLAs suspended amid spar over Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh portraits

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Atishi alleged that the BJP had disrespected BR Ambedkar by removing his portrait from the chief minister's office.

DMK MP criticizes Sanskrit interpretation in LS, Birla hits back

DMK MP criticizes Sanskrit interpretation in LS, Birla hits back

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran objected to the provision of simultaneous interpretation of Lok Sabha proceedings in Sanskrit, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money fueled by RSS ideology. Speaker Om Birla defended the decision, asserting that Sanskrit is India's primary language and that simultaneous interpretation is available in 22 recognized languages, including Hindi and Sanskrit.

SC ultimatum to Maha speaker on disqualification pleas

SC ultimatum to Maha speaker on disqualification pleas

Rediff.com17 Oct 2023

The court said the disqualification petitions have to be adjudicated expeditiously.

Never objected to...: Shinde on meeting Maha speaker ahead of verdict

Never objected to...: Shinde on meeting Maha speaker ahead of verdict

Rediff.com10 Jan 2024

Shinde said he would give a detailed reaction after the order but maintained that the Election Commission has allowed his outfit to keep the name 'Shiv Sena' and its 'bow and arrow' symbol.

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar filed a breach of privilege notice against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Darekar accused Kamra of performing a song with insulting references to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Andhare of supporting the performance with objectionable language. He claimed their actions constituted contempt of the House. Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare also submitted a breach of privilege notice against Andhare for allegedly mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Speaker will decide on the notices.

BJP's Ramvichar Netam appointed pro tem speaker of Chhattisgarh assembly

BJP's Ramvichar Netam appointed pro tem speaker of Chhattisgarh assembly

Rediff.com17 Dec 2023

Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office to 61-year-old Netam at a function held at the Raj Bhawan in Raipur.

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it, after a Shiv Sena-UBT MLA pointed to comments of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader.

'Speaker's order not on same page as SC's directions'

'Speaker's order not on same page as SC's directions'

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

'Approaching the SC, getting a favourable decision and overturning the situation (the speaker's order), will be too much to ask for in too short time.'

Highly improper: Uddhav Sena moves SC over Maharashtra CM-speaker meeting

Highly improper: Uddhav Sena moves SC over Maharashtra CM-speaker meeting

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

The Shiv Sena (UBT) of Uddhav Thackeray has denounced in the Supreme Court the "highly improper" meeting between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state legislative assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, barely three days before the deadline set by the apex court for the latter to decide cross-petitions filed by rival Sena factions seeking disqualification of several of each other's MLAs.

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The dramatic moves of Donald Trump, which have shaken up the global order, dominated the discussion. A sense of bewilderment prevailed, but there was also expectation that President Trump would settle down to a more traditional style of governance after a time of shock and awe, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, an attendee at literary festivals in Calicut, Jaipur, Kochi, Sharjah and Thiruvanathapuram.

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

With Piravi, Shaji N Karun joined the select group of great masters of film. Malayalam once upon a time used to produce such films. Today, it is only mindless violence, politics and grotesque humour. The films have no soul, although they are technically quite good. With Shaji's passing, and earlier with his mentor G Aravindan's untimely death, an era is coming to an end. Rajeev Srinivasan salutes the master, who passed into the ages on April 28.

Motivational speaker dupes several; SC seeks response

Motivational speaker dupes several; SC seeks response

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court has sought responses of the Centre, CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and others including 13 states on a plea alleging fraudulent activities by motivational speaker Vivek Bindra and his firm Bada Business Pvt Ltd. Accusing the social media influencer and his firm of tricking people into giving them their money through a ponzi scheme that promised big returns, the petition sought a direction to the Centre to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) of the CBI to probe the case. A bench comprising MM Sundresh and SVN Bhatti took note of the submissions of senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Shubham Chaudhary and 19 other petitioners, that Bindra and his firm have duped several people of their money.

Speaker to face no-trust motion before Nitish govt's floor test on Feb 12

Speaker to face no-trust motion before Nitish govt's floor test on Feb 12

Rediff.com10 Feb 2024

The assembly secretariat released the business agenda of the House for Monday, when the budget session will commence, with a customary address by the Governor to members of the bicameral legislature.

TN governor refuses to read out address, speaker expunges his remarks

TN governor refuses to read out address, speaker expunges his remarks

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

In yet another instance of his confrontation with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dispensation in Tamil Nadu, Governor R N Ravi on Monday concluded his customary address to the House within a few minutes, making certain remarks over the content of the address that were 'expunged'.

Nitish to expand cabinet soon, hectic lobbying for Speaker's post

Nitish to expand cabinet soon, hectic lobbying for Speaker's post

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

A day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formed the government in Bihar in alliance with the National Democratic Alliance, hectic lobbying started for the post of assembly speaker, and other legislators to be included in the council of ministers.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

SC to hear Uddhav's plea against speaker's ruling on Jan 22

SC to hear Uddhav's plea against speaker's ruling on Jan 22

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred to January 22 the hearing on a plea of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena against the Maharashtra assembly speaker's order declaring the Sena bloc led by CM Eknath Shinde as "real political party" after its split in June 2022.

Maestro A R Rahman's sound tips for Mahindra EVs

Maestro A R Rahman's sound tips for Mahindra EVs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

As auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) became the number two player in the retail passenger vehicle segment for the first time in February, powered by its new launches, the company is setting its sights on technology upgrades.

Outgoing Delhi Assembly Just Met For....

Outgoing Delhi Assembly Just Met For....

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The Delhi assembly which held 74 sittings over its five-year term, met for an average of 15 days a year. On the days it met, the assembly sat for an average of three hours.

Protesting Cong MLAs to spend another night in Rajasthan assembly

Protesting Cong MLAs to spend another night in Rajasthan assembly

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Congress legislators continued their sit-in protest inside the assembly while the party held protests at all district headquarters on Saturday against the suspension of six party MLAs.

Panel to examine Income Tax Bill constituted

Panel to examine Income Tax Bill constituted

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday constituted a 31-member Select Committee of the lower house to examine the Income Tax Bill. To be headed by Bharatiya Janata Party's Baijayant Panda, the panel is mandated to submit its report by the first day of the next session.

An Open Letter To Terrorists Who Attacked Pahalgam

An Open Letter To Terrorists Who Attacked Pahalgam

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'I am ashamed that you and I were born into the same faith -- because we are nothing alike. My religion is humanity. The Islam I know teaches me to protect the innocent. Yours celebrates slaughter, you #&$#@#. 'My Islam teaches me to serve my nation. Yours tells you to tear it apart,' writes Major Dr Mohommed Ali Shah (retd).