BJP RAJYA SABHA POLLS
BJP delegation meets EC, seeks stringent action against Kharge for 'terrorist' remark targeting PM
A BJP delegation, including Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju, approached the Election Commission demanding strict action against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his "terrorist" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP termed the statement "outrageous" and an insult to the people's mandate, urging the EC to act firmly and ensure such remarks are never repeated.
West Bengal elections: Junglemahal’s 25 seats turn battleground as BJP targets TMC’s development pitch
Purulia, Bankura, and Jhargram, the gateway to West Bengal's Junglemahal, are witnessing a fierce political battle. While Trinamool banks on welfare schemes and development claims, BJP challenges with promises of industrial growth and job creation, targeting voter dissatisfaction with the current rule.
Opposition complaint that PM Modi's address violated poll code 'would be examined': EC sources
The Election Commission will review a complaint alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address violated election rules. Opposition parties claim the speech, broadcast on Doordarshan, created an uneven playing field. The commission stated the complaint would be examined. This comes as voting continues in several states, with the poll code in effect until May 4.
Ex-Rajya Sabha member Dr Gopalrao Patil passes away
Latur mourns the passing of Dr Gopalrao Patil, a former Rajya Sabha member and respected paediatrician. He was 94. Dr Patil was also a dedicated educationist, founding the Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha. His free medical services in rural areas earned him the title 'Devmanus'. He served as a lecturer and medical officer before his parliamentary tenure.
Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP planted 'cherry-picked' officers at airport to cause delay in flight ops
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of obstructing her flight and targeting TMC workers. She criticises the central government's election interference, questioning the use of military and agencies. Banerjee also highlights unfulfilled job promises and the delayed implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.
West Bengal Assembly Elections: TMC bastion under threat as BJP veteran Swapan Dasgupta takes on Debasish Kumar in Rashbehari
Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency faces a heated election battle. Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar is up against Bharatiya Janata Party's Swapan Dasgupta. The TMC holds the seat, but the BJP aims to win. Key issues include infrastructure development and welfare schemes. The election is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.
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West Bengal polls: PM misusing govt machinery for political campaigns, says Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing government machinery for political campaigns. She stated that Modi's address regarding the women's quota bill constituted an illegal campaign for the BJP. Banerjee plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission. She questioned the delay in implementing the women's reservation bill passed in September 2023.
'Factually Abused Quackery': Congress' dig at government FAQs on women's quota bill
The Congress party has criticized the government's release of Frequently Asked Questions on women's reservation. They called the FAQs 'Factually Abused Quackery' and a 'damage control exercise'. This follows the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill aimed to implement 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures starting in 2029.
Cong demands implementation of women's quota law on current LS strength, marches to BJP office
Congress staged a protest in New Delhi demanding immediate implementation of women's reservation. Party leaders accused the Modi government of deliberately delaying the quota for political reasons. They called for reservation on the current 543 Lok Sabha seats. The Congress highlighted that the bill was passed in 2023 but linked to census and delimitation, causing postponement.
West Bengal elections: TMC 'betrayed' women, will be punished in assembly polls, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of betraying women by blocking a bill for 33% reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. He asserted that women voters in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly polls for opposing women's empowerment.
'Crocodile tears', 'election speech': Opposition's barbs at PM's address to nation
Opposition leaders have strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent national address. They labeled it politically motivated and a breach of democratic conventions, especially given ongoing state elections. Leaders suggested the speech should be counted as a BJP campaign expense due to its partisan nature. They argued the address lacked substance and was an attempt to deflect from government failures.
Samrat Choudhary govt in Bihar to face trust vote on April 24
Bihar's new NDA government, headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, will seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly on April 24. This one-day session precedes the monsoon session. Choudhary took oath as the 24th chief minister on April 15, succeeding Nitish Kumar. Kumar resigned to take up central responsibilities after becoming a Rajya Sabha member.
Smriti Irani slams Opposition ahead of PM Modi’s address to nation, defends Women’s Reservation Bill
Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani has attacked opposition parties. She accused them of spreading false information about the 33% women's reservation in Parliament. Prime Minister Modi is set to address the nation tonight. His speech will cover parliamentary functioning and legislative intent. Irani highlighted past support for the bill by BJP.
BJP's downfall has begun: Mamata on NDA failing to pass bill to give women quota from 2029
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the BJP's downfall has commenced. She stated the party's defeat is evident after the failure to pass a Constitution amendment bill for women's reservation in legislatures. Banerjee asserted the BJP is in power only with allies' support. She warned those working for the BJP that its time in power is limited.
Rajya Sabha elects Harivansh Deputy Chairman for third consecutive term
Harivansh secured a third consecutive term as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha unopposed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge lauded his re-election. Kharge highlighted Harivansh's capability and contrasted the prompt filling of this post with the vacant Deputy Speaker position in the Lok Sabha for seven years.
Nominated RS MP Harivansh to be elected deputy chairman as opposition to boycott polls
Harivansh is set for a third consecutive term as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman after receiving the sole nomination. The Opposition, however, will boycott the election, citing the government's failure to appoint a Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker, the unprecedented nomination of a Rajya Sabha member for the post, and a lack of consultation.
Numbers not in favour of NDA to get women quota law passed in Parliament
The ruling NDA government faces a numbers crunch in Parliament for the women's reservation bills. Securing a two-thirds majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha requires support from opposition parties or their abstention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for consensus. The Constitution amendment bill and related bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a division of votes.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin, Thakur, Singhvi, others take oath as Rajya Sabha MPs
BJP National President Nitin Nabin took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on Thursday. He was joined by other newly elected members from various states. The oath-taking ceremony took place in the Rajya Sabha. Chairman C P Radhakrishnan congratulated the new parliamentarians. The elected MPs represent states including Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Rajya Sabha reconstitutes panel of Vice-Chairpersons; six members nominated
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday reconstituted its panel of vice-chairpersons, nominating six members from the BJP, Congress, AIADMK and BJD, with effect from April 15.
BJP's 'preparation' for Punjab polls has begun: Kejriwal on ED raids against AAP MP Mittal
The Enforcement Directorate raided AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal's business and residential premises in Punjab and Haryana as part of a FEMA investigation. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal alleged the BJP is using central agencies for its Punjab election preparations, a sentiment echoed by other AAP leaders.
ED raids at business entities linked to AAP MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on businesses linked to Ashok Mittal in Punjab as part of a FEMA investigation, targeting multiple locations in Jalandhar and Phagwara.
Govt wants to bring bill aimed at winning 2029 polls, Opposition must reject 'political move': Kapil Sibal
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal claims the government aims to alter the women's reservation law for political gain. He suggests a move to manipulate delimitation to favor the BJP in the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Sibal urges opposition MPs to reject any such proposal, emphasising the need for immediate implementation on existing seats.
TMC demands immediate release of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel
The Trinamool Congress has demanded the immediate release of Vinesh Chandel, a co-founder of I-PAC. Chandel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case. The party described the arrest, just days before the West Bengal elections, as electoral sabotage.
Rajya Sabha to elect its deputy chairman on Apr 17; NDA likely to renominate Harivansh
The Rajya Sabha will elect its Deputy Chairman on April 17. The ruling NDA plans to renominate Harivansh for the post. Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and Left, have raised concerns. They question the urgency to fill this position while the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker post remains vacant since 2019. The election date has been officially announced.
NDA likely to renominate Harivansh as Rajya Sabha deputy chairman; Opposition objects
While no official notification has been issued to fill the post of deputy chairman, PTI reported citing sources that the election may happen during the current sitting of Parliament on April 16 or 17, when both houses meet for a special sitting to approve amendments to the women reservation law.
Congress on side of roadblock, not reform: BJP on women's quota law amendments
The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Congress of creating obstacles for the implementation of the 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. The government plans to fast-track the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aiming for its effect in the 2029 elections. Opposition parties are urged to support this reform for women's empowerment.
BJP issues whip for MPs ahead of special parliament session
The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs for a special three-day parliamentary session from April 16-18. The government is expected to introduce draft bills to implement the Women's Reservation Act before the 2029 polls. These bills aim to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women, making attendance mandatory for all MPs.
Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP
Nitish Kumar has taken oath as a Rajya Sabha member. This marks the end of his long tenure as Bihar Chief Minister. The NDA is set to elect a new leader soon. This transition signals a significant shift in Bihar's political landscape. The BJP is expected to lead the new government for the first time.
Cooch Behar: TMC, BJP jostle for Rajbanshi vote in Bengal Assembly polls
Cooch Behar is set for a fierce electoral battle as BJP and Trinamool Congress vie for dominance. Both parties are focusing on securing the crucial Rajbanshi vote. Strategies are being recalibrated with prominent Rajbanshi leaders joining different factions. Candidate selection prioritizes community representation. The region's political landscape remains volatile, promising a closely fought contest.
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