#rajya_sabha

Kiren Rijiju Criticizes Opposition for Hindering Parliamentary Proceedings The opposition’s sole agenda, according to Kiren Rijiju, is to disrupt parliamentary sessions, a claim he made during a speech highlighting the challenges faced by the government in maintaining legislative functionality. Rijiju accused the opposition of using tactics such as blocking debates, refusing to engage in discussions, and undermining the democratic process by prioritizing disruptions over constructive dialogue. During the monsoon session, parliamentary proceedings were significantly hampered, with the Lok Sabha operating for only 15% of the scheduled time and the Rajya Sabha for 33%. Frequent interruptions led to sessions being cut short, often lasting mere minutes before being adjourned. Rijiju pointed to the opposition’s strategy of deliberately obstructing the agenda to create a pretext for criticizing the government’s performance. He argued that such tactics are akin to “setting fire to the debate room and then lamenting the smoke,” emphasizing that parliament is meant for dialogue, not for political blackmail. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, rejected a motion proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah to hold an extended debate on the Jantar Mantar protests. Gandhi claimed the motion was unnecessary, stating that the opposition had no interest in engaging with Shah’s “lecture” on the issue. This refusal to participate in the debate further fueled Rijiju’s criticism, as he argued that the opposition’s actions were designed to stifle parliamentary discourse. Rijiju also highlighted the opposition’s lack of participation in legislative processes. He cited Gandhi’s poor attendance record in the 17th Lok Sabha, noting that Gandhi participated in only eight debates compared to the national average of 46.#rahul_gandhi #lok_sabha #kiren_rijiju #rajya_sabha #amit_shah

Bill Criminalising Insults to ‘Vande Mataram’ Becomes Law After President Murmu’s Assent President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the 2026 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill on Thursday, making it law. The legislation criminalises insults to the national song, Vande Mataram, granting it the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30 through a voice vote, despite protests by Opposition MPs who demanded a discussion on police action against youth protesters during demonstrations on July 20. The Rajya Sabha had cleared the bill a day earlier. The protests on July 20 were linked to allegations of mismanagement in the conduct of competitive examinations. The new law mandates that intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupting an assembly where it is sung can result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. This aligns with the 1971 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, which already penalises insults to the national anthem, flag, or Constitution with similar penalties. The legislation faced criticism from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the Lok Sabha, with MP Kanimozhi accusing the government of advancing a “Hindutva agenda” under the guise of nationalism. In response, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai defended the bill as a matter of “Indian pride,” emphasizing that it was not directed against any state or ideology. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram through “appeasement politics.” The Union government is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.#lok_sabha #president_droupadi_murmu #rajya_sabha #bharatiya_janata_party #dravida_munnetra_kazhagam

PM Modi's Foreign Trips Cost ₹557.51 Crore Over Five Years, Government Discloses Full Expenditure Breakdown The Indian government disclosed on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official foreign trips from 2021 to 2026 have cost the public exchequer a minimum of ₹557.51 crore. This information was provided in response to a query by Rajya Sabha members Sanjay Singh and Dr. V Shivdasan, who had sought details about the cost of Modi's trips, the number of visits, and bilateral agreements signed during these journeys. According to the response, Modi has undertaken official visits to countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and the Pacific region. The government clarified that the 2026 trip to France, which occurred in June 2026, has not yet been fully accounted for, and its cost will be included in the final tally once all bills are settled. It also noted that some 2026 expenditure figures are provisional and will be finalized after all payments are processed. The most expensive trips during this period included Modi's February 2025 visit to France, which cost ₹25.59 crore, followed by his April 2025 trip to Saudi Arabia (₹15.54 crore), July 2025 visit to Brazil (₹17.72 crore), and June 2025 trip to the United States (₹16.54 crore). The September 2024 visit to the U.S. also cost ₹15.33 crore, while his June 2024 trip to Italy totaled ₹14.36 crore. In 2026, Modi visited Malaysia, Israel, the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy, France, Slovakia, Seychelles, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The government emphasized that some 2026 expenditure data remains provisional. For 2025, Modi's visits included France, the U.S.#rajya_sabha #indian_government #prime_minister_modi #sanjay_singh #dr_v_shivdasan

Prime Minister Modi's Foreign Travel Expenditure Surpasses 180 Crores Since 2021 The Ministry of External Affairs revealed in the Rajya Sabha that the cost of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign travels has surged fivefold since 2021, reaching over 180 crores. The data, disclosed during a parliamentary session, highlights the significant increase in expenses linked to the PM's diplomatic engagements. According to the ministry, the annual expenditure on Modi's overseas trips rose from 36 crores in 2021 to 180 crores in 2025. As of June 2026, the cumulative cost of these trips has exceeded 74.58 crores, though some figures remain provisional, including the expense of his recent visit to France. Breaking down the expenditure year by year, the ministry reported that Modi's foreign travel costs amounted to 36 crores in 2021, 55 crores in 2022, 93 crores in 2023, 109 crores in 2024, and over 180 crores in 2025. A written response from the Ministry of External Affairs further stated that the total expenditure from 2021 to date exceeds 550 crores. The ministry emphasized that these costs are justified by the economic and strategic benefits derived from the PM's diplomatic efforts. The ministry also highlighted the outcomes of these trips, noting that 316 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed during Modi's foreign visits since July 2021. These agreements span critical sectors such as defense, digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, space cooperation, mobility and migration, climate action, and cultural exchanges. The emphasis on these sectors underscores the government's focus on fostering bilateral ties and advancing India's global economic interests.#rajya_sabha #prime_minister_modi #ministry_of_externa_affairs #memorandums_of_understanding #foreign_direct_investment

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Sessions Suspended Amid Opposition Protests and Disruptions The third week of the monsoon session of Parliament was disrupted by continuous protests and disruptions from the opposition, leading to the suspension of Lok Sabha proceedings until Monday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the adjournment of sessions, citing the impact of ongoing disturbances. The opposition, which has been raising issues such as police action against student protesters, theft of construction materials, and the alleged leak of NEET exam papers, demanded responses from the government. Similar disruptions also affected Rajya Sabha, with its proceedings postponed until Monday. The monsoon session was originally scheduled to conclude on August 13. The opposition’s persistent disruptions have hindered the functioning of the House, affecting legislative and other critical activities. Speaker Birla expressed frustration over the repeated interruptions, stating that such actions are not in line with democratic traditions. Central Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju accused the opposition of deliberately obstructing discussions, emphasizing that the government is not to blame for the lack of debate. He highlighted that several bills have been passed, but the time allocated for discussion has been affected by the disruptions. Rijiju also warned that the opposition must apologize if it continues to disrupt proceedings outside the House. Political activity within the Parliament complex remained active. Rijiju met with Home Minister Amit Shah, while Speaker Birla also engaged in discussions with Shah. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde visited the Parliament to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.#lok_sabha #om_birla #rajya_sabha #amit_shah #kiran_rijiju

After Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Clears Bill To Increase Supreme Court Judges To 38 The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday approved a bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38 through a voice vote, marking a significant step in judicial reforms. The bill, which seeks to replace an earlier ordinance that had raised the judge count, was cleared by the Upper House and returned to the Lok Sabha as it is classified as a Money Bill. This decision follows discussions with Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, who emphasized the importance of the reform in enhancing judicial efficiency and addressing the backlog of cases. The bill’s passage comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize the judiciary and streamline the legal process. Meghwal highlighted that the increase in judges is part of a broader strategy to reduce the pendency of cases, which has long been a critical challenge for the Indian legal system. He stated, “The increase of judges in the Supreme Court is a step to improve judicial efficiency,” adding that the government is committed to collaborating with the judiciary to implement alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. These mechanisms, which include arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, are intended to expedite case resolution and alleviate the burden on the courts. The ordinance that initially raised the judge count from 34 to 38 was introduced in response to the growing caseload and the need for a more robust judicial infrastructure. However, the new bill aims to formalize this expansion through legislative processes, ensuring transparency and parliamentary oversight. The return of the bill to the Lok Sabha underscores its status as a Money Bill, which requires approval from the Lower House without amendments, as per constitutional provisions.#rajya_sabha #supreme_court #arjun_ram_meghwal #money_bill #judicial_reforms

Bill To Increase Supreme Court Judge Strength Brought After CJI's Letter To PM : Law Minister Tells Rajya Sabha The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday considered and returned the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal disclosing that the proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was initiated after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant wrote to the Prime Minister seeking the enhancement. The Bill seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. Having been returned by the Rajya Sabha after debate, it now awaits Presidential assent to become law. The Lok Sabha had cleared the Bill on August 3. Replying to the debate, Meghwal said the increase in judicial strength was not merely the need of the hour but also an important judicial reform aimed at facilitating the constitution of a permanent Constitution Bench and dedicated benches for disposal of pending cases. The Law Minister revealed that CJI Surya Kant had written to the Prime Minister on May 11 requesting an increase in the Court's sanctioned strength. According to Meghwal, the CJI pointed out that the growing inflow of cases required the Supreme Court to maintain a high daily disposal rate. However, the constitution of Constitution Benches inevitably affects that rate, as judges are diverted from regular hearing work. The CJI cited the recently constituted nine-judge Constitution Bench hearing the Sabarimala reference as an example. Therefore, the CJI proposed an increase in the strength of Judges. Following the CJI's letter, the Ordinance was brought on May 17. The debate on the Bill saw participation from around 33 members, beginning with Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha.#lok_sabha #rajya_sabha #supreme_court #surya_kant #arjun_ram_meghwal

Indian Passport: Who Is Eligible to Obtain It? Central Government Clarifies in Parliament The Indian government addressed longstanding debates about the nature of the Indian passport in a parliamentary session on July 31, 2026, clarifying that only Indian citizens are eligible to obtain passports. This clarification came after previous statements by the Ministry of External Affairs, which had asserted that passports are merely travel documents and not proof of citizenship. The issue had sparked widespread discussion, with critics questioning whether the passport serves as an official document validating an individual’s nationality. The government’s response in Parliament emphasized that the passport is a tool for facilitating international travel for Indian citizens. It reiterated that the document is issued under the Passport Act of 1967 and is governed by specific procedures for verification and issuance. However, the clarification did not explicitly confirm whether the passport itself serves as legal proof of citizenship. This ambiguity has persisted despite the government’s recent statements, leaving the question of its role in validating nationality unresolved. The debate gained traction after the Ministry of External Affairs initially stated that passports are not proof of citizenship, a claim that led to public and political discourse. Critics argued that the passport should be recognized as an official document confirming an individual’s nationality, while others maintained that it is solely a travel permit. The government’s latest clarification in Parliament sought to address these concerns but stopped short of providing definitive answers on the passport’s legal status as a citizenship proof.#rajya_sabha #ministry_of_externa_affairs #indian_passport #parliament #kirti_bhadra_singh

PM Modi Hopes Monsoon and Parliamentary Session Yield Productive Outcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media outside Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. He expressed hope that both the monsoon season and the parliamentary session would prove to be productive for the nation. Modi emphasized that reforms initiated by his government had instilled confidence in the youth, encouraging them to take bold steps toward progress. On the economic front, Modi highlighted the challenges posed by the West Asia conflict, which disrupted India’s energy imports. Despite these difficulties, he noted that India had achieved a growth rate of 7.7% during the previous quarter. He also acknowledged recent milestones in the country’s space sector, stating that significant achievements had been made in the past month. Modi urged lawmakers to actively participate in the Monsoon Session, stressing the importance of meaningful discussions and collective efforts to advance the nation’s goals. He emphasized that the Parliament, with its experienced members, needed to contribute its expertise to address current challenges. The government planned to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to criminalize insults to the national song, Vande Mataram. However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) opposed the move, calling it unconstitutional. Modi defended the initiative, asserting that there was no room for controversy when facts and logic were present. He reiterated that a positive spirit was essential for achieving national objectives. Modi also took a veiled jab at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi while praising India’s growing space capabilities.#prime_minister_narendra_modi #rajya_sabha #communist_party_of_india_marxist #skyroot_aerospace #parliamentary_session_monsoon

BJP's Strategic Expansion in Rajya Sabha: A 12-Year Narrative of Resignations and Mergers Since 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has systematically strengthened its position in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house, through a combination of electoral victories and strategic political maneuvers. Despite securing a majority in the Lok Sabha, the BJP faced significant challenges in the Rajya Sabha, where its initial representation was limited. To counter this, the party adopted two key strategies: leveraging resignations of influential opposition members and exploiting the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution to facilitate party mergers. Resignations as a Tool for Political Realignment The BJP’s first approach involved persuading prominent leaders from opposition parties to resign from their parliamentary seats and join the party. Notable examples include: Neelesh Kumar Shukla (Samajwadi Party): Resigned in 2015 and joined BJP, enhancing its representation in the Rajya Sabha. Suresh Kumar Patel (Samajwadi Party): Followed a similar path in 2016. Rajeshwar Singh (Rashtriya Janata Dal): Joined BJP in 2017, bolstering its numbers. Sudhanshu Pandey (RJD): Resigned in 2018 to align with the BJP. These resignations allowed the BJP to absorb key regional leaders, expanding its influence in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The strategy was particularly effective in states where the BJP had limited electoral strength but could leverage defections to secure parliamentary seats. Mergers Under the 10th Schedule The BJP also capitalized on the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, which allows for the merger of political parties if at least two-thirds of their members agree. This provision became a critical tool for the party to consolidate power in the Rajya Sabha.#bjp #rajya_sabha #samajwadi_party #rashtriya_janata_dal #telugu_desam_party

With TMC rebels reshaping numbers, NDA nears two-thirds mark in Rajya Sabha but remains short in Lok Sabha The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on track to strengthen its parliamentary position following a significant shift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), bringing the ruling coalition closer to securing a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha. However, the alliance still falls short of achieving the same threshold in the Lok Sabha. The developments come amid the government’s efforts to secure the required numbers to pass constitutional amendment bills, which necessitate support from at least two-thirds of members in both Houses of Parliament. The government is reportedly considering reviving the delimitation bill, a key measure to implement women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha ahead of the 2029 general election. The NDA’s strength in the Rajya Sabha is projected to rise from 148 to 151 seats after the current round of elections, with the alliance likely to gain support from independent members in Jharkhand and Mizoram. This growth could be further bolstered by the resignation of three TMC MPs, which would allow the NDA to capture all three vacant Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal in upcoming bypolls. This would push the alliance’s total to 154 members, nine seats away from the 163 needed for a two-thirds majority in the 245-member House. Additional resignations from TMC members in the Rajya Sabha could further enhance the NDA’s prospects of reaching the two-thirds threshold. However, the alliance faces potential challenges later this year. Ten Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh are set to retire in November, and the Samajwadi Party may increase its representation in the House, reflecting its stronger position in the state assembly.#bjp #lok_sabha #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #national_democratic_alliance

NDA nears two-thirds majority in Rajya Sabha amid Opposition defections, but it's a long road for alliance in Lok Sabha The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has made significant strides toward securing a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha, bolstered by defections from rival parties, while its quest for a similar majority in the Lok Sabha remains a formidable challenge. Recent developments, including the withdrawal of several members from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other opposition groups, have shifted the political landscape, though the ruling coalition still faces hurdles in achieving its constitutional objectives. At least 20 TMC members in the Lok Sabha have severed ties with their party leadership and pledged support to the BJP-led NDA, while three Rajya Sabha members from the Mamata Banerjee-led party have resigned from the Upper House in recent days. These defections have increased the NDA’s Lok Sabha tally to 314 members, bringing it closer to the 360 seats required for a two-thirds majority in the 543-member chamber. However, with three current vacancies in the Lok Sabha, the actual number of seats needed for the majority would drop to 360, requiring the BJP to secure an additional 46 seats. In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA’s numbers are projected to rise to 152 from 148 if an independent candidate in Jharkhand wins the June 18 election. Further gains could occur if the BJP captures three seats in West Bengal, which were vacated by TMC MPs. The ruling coalition’s strategy has also included securing the defection of three BJD members and ensuring the victory of an independent candidate in Odisha, which has already strengthened its position.#mamata_banerjee #lok_sabha #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #bjp_led_ndaa

TMC Rebellion Bolsters NDA's Parliamentary Strength Amid Constitutional Amendment Push The growing internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to significantly enhance the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) numerical strength in Parliament, bringing it closer to securing a two-thirds majority in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. This shift is critical for the ruling alliance as it seeks to advance key constitutional amendment bills that require broad legislative support. While the current round of Rajya Sabha elections is projected to help the NDA approach the two-thirds majority threshold, the Lok Sabha remains a challenge, with the TMC's defection potentially altering the balance of power. Sources indicate that the NDA is poised to gain three seats in the Rajya Sabha from the current election cycle, particularly in independent constituencies in Jharkhand and Mizoram. These victories would bolster the alliance's tally, which currently stands at 148 members of parliament (MPs). Additionally, the resignation of three TMC MPs is anticipated to result in the NDA capturing all three seats in West Bengal following bypolls, raising its Rajya Sabha count to 154. However, this still leaves the alliance nine seats short of the 263 required for a two-thirds majority in the Upper House. The political landscape is further complicated by the impending retirement of 10 NDA MPs from Uttar Pradesh by November, which could weaken the alliance's strength. Analysts suggest that the Samajwadi Party, which has gained numerical momentum in the state assembly, may capitalize on this vacuum by securing additional seats in the Rajya Sabha.#lok_sabha #speaker_om_birla #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #national_democratic_alliance

Susmita Dev, a prominent figure in West Bengal's political landscape, has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rajya Sabha, citing personal and political reasons. The 54-year-old lawyer and former TMC MLA announced her decision during an interview, stating she could no longer "be in two boats at once" and chose to distance herself from Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Her departure marks a significant shift in the state's political dynamics, particularly as the TMC faces internal challenges and external pressures. Background and Political Career Susmita Dev hails from a politically influential family in Assam. Her father, Santosh Mohan Dev, was a six-time Lok Sabha MP and a former steel minister, while her mother, Tikka Dev, served as an MLA. Her grandfather, Satindra Mohan Dev, was a freedom fighter and a former Assam health minister. Born into this legacy, Susmita pursued a career in law, graduating in political science from Miranda House College in Delhi and later earning a law degree from the University of London. She entered politics through local governance, serving as a municipal commissioner in Silchar, Assam, before joining the Congress party. In 2009, she became a TMC MLA after the party's merger with the Congress in West Bengal. Her tenure in the state assembly was marked by her advocacy for marginalized communities and her legal expertise. However, her decision to leave the TMC comes amid growing tensions within the party, including allegations of internal dissent and strategic shifts in leadership. Reasons for Resignation In her interview, Susmita emphasized her desire to focus on private practice and family life, stating, "I cannot continue to be a part of two conflicting ideologies.#assam #mamata_banerjee #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #susmita_dev

Congress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan Returns ₹4 Crore to Party After Election, Impresses Rahul Gandhi Madhya Pradesh’s third Rajya Sabha seat has become a focal point of political intrigue, with the Congress party’s decision to field Meenakshi Natarajan as its candidate sparking widespread discussion. The choice of Natarajan, a former MLA and former minister, has been attributed to her reputation for integrity, which has left even senior party leaders like Rahul Gandhi impressed. The narrative of her financial transparency has gained traction, particularly after she returned ₹4 crore of the ₹5 crore allocated for her 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign to the party’s funds immediately after the polls. Natarajan’s actions have been highlighted as a rare example of fiscal responsibility in a political landscape often marred by allegations of misuse of public funds. According to reports, she had previously returned 75% of the election expenses from her 2023 Vidhan Sabha campaign, further cementing her image as a principled leader. These decisions have not gone unnoticed by party leaders, with Rahul Gandhi reportedly acknowledging her commitment to transparency. The Congress’s strategy to position her as a symbol of ethical governance appears to be a calculated move to counter the BJP’s narrative of corruption and to appeal to voters disillusioned with mainstream politics. The BJP, meanwhile, has intensified its efforts to undermine the Congress’s position by fielding a third candidate, Mahesh Kevat, in a bid to split the opposition vote. This move has been seen as an attempt to exploit regional sentiments and weaken the Congress’s electoral prospects. However, Natarajan’s reputation for simplicity and humility has emerged as a counter-narrative.#rahul_gandhi #rajya_sabha #madhya_pradesh #congress_party #meenakshi_natarajan

Bihar MLC Election: All 9 Candidates Likely to Win Without Voting The Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) election for the nine vacant seats is expected to result in a clean sweep for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with all candidates securing victory without a vote. This outcome is anticipated due to the limited number of candidates, which does not exceed the total number of seats. The NDA has already announced its nine candidates, including four from the BJP and JDU, and one from the LJP, ensuring their dominance in the election. The election process has a strict timeline, with the last date for submitting nominations set for June 8. Verification of the nomination forms will occur on June 9, and any withdrawn nominations must be submitted by June 11. The NDA’s numerical strength in the Legislative Assembly, where it holds 201 out of 242 seats, is expected to translate into a similar advantage in the MLC election. Analysts suggest that the NDA’s candidates will face minimal competition, as the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance lacks sufficient candidates to challenge them. The MGB, comprising the RJD, Congress, and other parties, has only one seat in the MLC, which is contested by the RJD. The Congress, which previously had one representative, is set to lose its presence in the MLC after the resignation of its sole member, Samir Kumar Singh. This shift underscores the NDA’s dominance in the state’s legislative landscape. The election’s outcome is also influenced by the previous MLC election in 2023, where second-preference votes played a critical role. In that contest, the NDA secured five seats, with the fifth candidate, Shivesh Ram, winning due to the support of second-choice voters.#congress #rajya_sabha #rjd #national_democratic_alliance #bihar_legislative_council

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Set to Resign, DKS Poised for Succession Amid Internal Power Struggle Barring a last-minute surprise, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to resign Thursday, marking the end of a political tenure that spanned over eight years and 12 days across two terms. This would surpass the record previously held by his mentor, D Devaraj Urs, and signal a significant shift in Karnataka’s political landscape. A senior official at Karnataka Lok Bhavan confirmed that Siddaramaiah had sought time to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday afternoon, a move expected to clear the path for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to assume the role of the next chief minister. However, the ruling Congress party has remained officially silent on Shivakumar’s elevation, leaving the transition shrouded in uncertainty. Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah is pushing for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting with the party’s high command to elect his successor. This move is viewed by party insiders as an attempt to block Shivakumar’s path to the top post. Siddaramaiah’s camp believes a formal CLP election could result in home minister G Parameshwara emerging as a consensus candidate, particularly with sections of MLAs expected to support the senior Dalit leader. Such a development would not only delay Shivakumar’s elevation but also allow Siddaramaiah to claim political credit for facilitating Karnataka’s first Dalit chief minister from the Congress. Congress insiders familiar with the developments revealed that Siddaramaiah agreed to step down after directives from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The veteran leader credits Gandhi for backing him to become chief minister twice despite being seen as an outsider within the party structure.#rajya_sabha #karnataka_cm_siddaramaiah #dk_shivakumar #congress_legislature_party #randeep_singh_surjewala

AAP MLAs Reaffirm Party Loyalty as Confidence Motion Passes Amid Opposition Absence The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators in Punjab reaffirmed their commitment to the party and its government as the Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday. The motion, tabled during a special one-day session held on May Day to honor the working class of the state, was approved with a voice vote, despite the absence of most opposition members. The session saw the AAP’s 94 legislators, out of 117 total seats, with 87 present, four absent, and two in jail. The opposition, including the Congress, boycotted the session, while the BJP and some regional parties also stayed away, leaving the AAP to secure the motion’s passage. The confidence motion came amid heightened political tensions following the defection of seven AAP legislators to the BJP in the Rajya Sabha, six of whom were from Punjab. The AAP government had called the special session to address internal concerns about potential dissent within the party, as rumors circulated about some legislators allegedly engaging with defected MPs. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing the assembly, dismissed these rumors as a deliberate attempt by the opposition to destabilize the party. “Such rumors create an illusion in people’s minds,” he said, adding that the AAP remains united and strong. Mann emphasized the party’s national presence, citing AAP’s representation in Gujarat, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi, where it serves as the main opposition. He also highlighted the government’s achievements in Punjab, including improved water supply and a law against sacrilege.#rajya_sabha #aam_aadmi_party #bhagwant_mann #punjab_legislative_assembly #shirromani_akali_dal

Ranchi University Appoints External Vice Chancellor from Delhi Ranchi University has appointed Prof. Saroj Sharma, a professor from Delhi-based Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, as its new Vice Chancellor. The appointment was announced by Rajya Sabha member and Chancellor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday. This marks the continuation of a trend in Jharkhand’s universities, where external candidates are increasingly being selected for the role of Vice Chancellor. Prof. Sharma, currently serving as a professor and dean in the education department at her current institution, will now oversee Ranchi University, which faces significant administrative and academic challenges. This follows the recent appointments of three other external Vice Chancellors in Jharkhand, including Dr. R. Manohar from Lucknow, Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh from Bihar, and Dr. Ila Kumar from Delhi. These appointments have left only two universities in the state—Sidho-Kanhu Murmu University in Sihawa and Dumka University—with local Jharkhand-based Vice Chancellors. The 11 state-run universities in Jharkhand now have 10 external appointees, with the exception of Sidho-Kanhu Murmu University. The new Vice Chancellor will inherit a range of pressing issues, including the absence of regular academic sessions, the cancellation of postgraduate admissions for 2025, and a severe decline in student attendance. Administrative systems are described as nearly collapsed, with the need to restore order and implement a functional academic calendar becoming immediate priorities. The trend of appointing external candidates has raised questions about why Jharkhand’s own educators are not being considered for these roles.#rajya_sabha #ranchi_university #prof_saroj_sharma #guru_gobind_singh_indraprastha_university #sidho_kanhu_murmu_university

Time For India To Become Global Innovation Leader, Says Trivedi Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed students at VNIT's AXIS festival, emphasizing India's need to transition from adopting technology to leading global innovation. He highlighted the country's digital payment system, stating it has surpassed the combined transaction volumes of the United States and China. Trivedi noted that India now accounts for 49% of global digital transactions, a figure that exceeds the combined totals of the U.S. and China. He cited the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a key achievement, explaining that it overtook Visa to become the world’s largest digital payment system in 2024. Trivedi pointed to international examples of India’s growing influence, such as Japan’s Prime Minister making a digital payment in a Delhi market and French President Emmanuel Macron using UPI at a roadside tea stall in Jaipur. He remarked that nations once considered advanced in technology are now surprised by India’s rapid digital transformation. The MP also attributed this progress to a significant decline in data costs, noting that 1 GB of data cost over Rs300 per month a decade ago, compared to Rs28 per month today. Trivedi emphasized the role of India’s national portal in expanding access to global research, stating that over 6,300 institutions now have access to international journals. In 2025 alone, more than 11 crore papers were downloaded through this platform. Looking ahead, he outlined government initiatives, including a Rs30,000 crore allocation for artificial intelligence and Rs6,000 crore for quantum technologies. National missions in green hydrogen and renewable energy were also highlighted as critical areas for future investment.#rajya_sabha #unified_payments_interface #sudhanshu_trivedi #vnit #axis_festival