- News
- India News
- Parliament Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha adopts motion for revoking suspension of eight Opposition members
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 17, 2026, 20:18:11 IST
Comments
Share
Parliament Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha adopts motion for revoking suspension of eight Opposition members
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live Updates: Major candidates, including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin, also from Bihar, will be in the fray as the biennial Rajya Sabha elections to fill 37 seats across 10 states are scheduled on Monday.
Kumar, whose JD(U) is an ally of the BJP both at the Centre and in Bihar, created a major stir by announcing his intention to contest the Rajya Sabha, having led Bihar for more than two decades.
NDA has eyed all five seats to the Rajya Sabha but lacks a clear majority for its fifth candidate. The ruling coalition needs three MLAs to vote across party lines, whereas the opposition RJD needs the support of six MLAs to achieve the 41 mark.
The alleged shortage of LPG in the country amid the ongoing Middle East conflict is also expected to be raised in both Houses. The opposition has accused the government of ignoring what it describes as a developing crisis. The government, however, has repeatedly maintained that there is no shortage.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20% of the global crude oil supply passes, has set off alarm bells in a number of various countries, including India. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait as a retaliatory measure in its war against the US and Israel.
Kumar, whose JD(U) is an ally of the BJP both at the Centre and in Bihar, created a major stir by announcing his intention to contest the Rajya Sabha, having led Bihar for more than two decades.
NDA has eyed all five seats to the Rajya Sabha but lacks a clear majority for its fifth candidate. The ruling coalition needs three MLAs to vote across party lines, whereas the opposition RJD needs the support of six MLAs to achieve the 41 mark.
The alleged shortage of LPG in the country amid the ongoing Middle East conflict is also expected to be raised in both Houses. The opposition has accused the government of ignoring what it describes as a developing crisis. The government, however, has repeatedly maintained that there is no shortage.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20% of the global crude oil supply passes, has set off alarm bells in a number of various countries, including India. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait as a retaliatory measure in its war against the US and Israel.
16:03 (IST) Mar 16
Parliament Live Updates: Om Birla calls all-party meeting at 4.30 pm today
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called an all-party meeting in his chamber at 4.30 pm today.
15:59 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Polls: NDA will win all five Bihar seats, says LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Raju Tiwari
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Bihar president Raju Tiwari, expressed confidence ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, saying all five seats in Bihar would be won by NDA candidates.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Tiwari said the time for making claims was over and the voting itself would show the result. He said the National Democratic Alliance would win all five seats comfortably and in a strong manner. He also stressed the unity and strength of the NDA in the state.
The biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across 10 states are currently underway, with counting set to begin at 5 pm.
Of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed, while voting is being held for the remaining 11 seats, including five in Bihar, four in Odisha and two in Haryana.
Bihar has emerged as one of the key battlegrounds in the polls, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also in the fray after filing his nomination for the Upper House.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Tiwari said the time for making claims was over and the voting itself would show the result. He said the National Democratic Alliance would win all five seats comfortably and in a strong manner. He also stressed the unity and strength of the NDA in the state.
The biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across 10 states are currently underway, with counting set to begin at 5 pm.
Of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed, while voting is being held for the remaining 11 seats, including five in Bihar, four in Odisha and two in Haryana.
Bihar has emerged as one of the key battlegrounds in the polls, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also in the fray after filing his nomination for the Upper House.
15:56 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: Video shows BJD, BJP MLAs scuffling during Odisha Rajya Sabha voting
15:50 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election 2026: Scuffle breaks out between BJD and BJP MLAs in Odisha during voting
A scuffle broke out between MLAs of the Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in the state.
15:21 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: Naveen Patnaik alleges voting irregularity in Odisha polls
BJD chief and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Monday alleged irregularities during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, claiming election norms were violated after a legislator was issued a second ballot paper.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Patnaik said the MLA from Brahmagiri Assembly constituency made an error while casting her vote, but the polling officer accepted it and then issued a second ballot paper, which he called a violation of democratic norms and election rules. He said the BJD had strongly objected, but alleged officials were not listening.
Voting is underway in Odisha as part of the biennial Rajya Sabha polls. Elections are being held for 37 seats across 10 states, with 26 candidates already elected unopposed.
Voting is being held for the remaining 11 seats, including four in Odisha, five in Bihar and two in Haryana.
Counting is scheduled to begin at 5 pm, with results expected later today.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Patnaik said the MLA from Brahmagiri Assembly constituency made an error while casting her vote, but the polling officer accepted it and then issued a second ballot paper, which he called a violation of democratic norms and election rules. He said the BJD had strongly objected, but alleged officials were not listening.
Voting is underway in Odisha as part of the biennial Rajya Sabha polls. Elections are being held for 37 seats across 10 states, with 26 candidates already elected unopposed.
Voting is being held for the remaining 11 seats, including four in Odisha, five in Bihar and two in Haryana.
Counting is scheduled to begin at 5 pm, with results expected later today.
14:06 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election 2026: Former PM Deve Gowda writes to Sonia Gandhi amid continued opposition protests in Rajya Sabha
Oppn must must protest as much as it wants but that must be framed in a way it doesn't dismantle what we have built over 75 years: Former PM HD Devegowda writes to Sonia Gandhi.
Both Deve Gowda and Gandhi are Rajya Sabha MPs.
Both Deve Gowda and Gandhi are Rajya Sabha MPs.
13:23 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Polls: In Haryana, votes cast by 68 MLAs so far
Voting underway in Harayana, one of 10 states where Rajya Sabha seats are set to fall vacant. 68 out of 90 MLAs have polled their votes so far.
13:04 (IST) Mar 16
Rajysa Sabha Election 2026: Haryana BJP minister Anil Vij arrives to cast vote on wheelchair
12:36 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: 'LPG issue affecting middle class,' says LoP Mallikarjun Kharge
"I want to draw the govt's attention towards the LPG issue owing to the situation in West Asia. This is affecting the middle class, restaurants, hostels and commercial users. During this current situation, the availability of LPG and price stability have become serious issues....Speaking in Lok Sabha, Union Petroleum Minister claimed that there is no shortage of LPG, but the ground reality proves the govt claims wrong," says Rajya Sabha LoP Kharge.
11:25 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: 'EC has constitutional authority to do so,' Kiren Rijiju defends poll panel
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju responded by underlining that the EC has the constitutional authority to do so and criticised the TMC for bringing up the issue in Parliament. He alleged that the TMC has made it a habit to attack constitutional bodies.
11:14 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: TMC MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha
Trinamool Congress MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha for the day in protest against the EC’s decision to replace West Bengal chief secretary and principal secretary, home and hill affairs.
11:07 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: 'NDA victory is assured,' says Bihar minister Santosh Kumar Suman
"All the MLAs of our party have voted, and victory will definitely be assured. We are winning all five seats... Those who want development will vote in our favour," says Bihar minister Santosh Kumar Suman.
10:35 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: JD(U) MLA Anant Singh arrives in ambulance to cast vote
10:20 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: Voting begins in Haryana; CM Saini casts vote
Voting begins for two seats of Haryana. CM and BJP leader Nayab Saini is first to cast vote.
09:56 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: Odisha to see Rajya Sabha polls after 12 years
Odisha will witness Rajya Sabha polling after a gap of 12 years, as five candidates are contesting for the four seats that will fall vacant on April 2.
The BJP has fielded its state president Manmohan Samal and sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar. Former Union minister Dilip Ray is contesting as an Independent with the backing of the saffron party.
The BJD has nominated party leader Santrupt Misra and eminent urologist Dr Datteswar Hota, both of whom are being supported by the Congress and the CPI(M).
With neither the ruling BJP nor the opposition BJD having the numbers required to secure the fourth seat outright, the possibility of cross-voting remains.
In the 147-member Odisha Assembly, the BJP has 79 MLAs and the support of three Independents. The BJD currently has 48 members following the suspension of two of its legislators in January. The Congress has 14 MLAs, while the CPI(M) has one.
As per the Rajya Sabha election arithmetic in the state, a candidate requires 30 first-preference votes to secure a seat. With the backing of 82 legislators, the BJP is expected to elect two candidates comfortably and will have 22 surplus votes remaining.
The BJP has fielded its state president Manmohan Samal and sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar. Former Union minister Dilip Ray is contesting as an Independent with the backing of the saffron party.
The BJD has nominated party leader Santrupt Misra and eminent urologist Dr Datteswar Hota, both of whom are being supported by the Congress and the CPI(M).
With neither the ruling BJP nor the opposition BJD having the numbers required to secure the fourth seat outright, the possibility of cross-voting remains.
In the 147-member Odisha Assembly, the BJP has 79 MLAs and the support of three Independents. The BJD currently has 48 members following the suspension of two of its legislators in January. The Congress has 14 MLAs, while the CPI(M) has one.
As per the Rajya Sabha election arithmetic in the state, a candidate requires 30 first-preference votes to secure a seat. With the backing of 82 legislators, the BJP is expected to elect two candidates comfortably and will have 22 surplus votes remaining.
09:50 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: Tejashwi Yadav seeks AIMIM support
Bihar Assembly leader of opposition and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday attended an Iftar party organised at the residence of AIMIM state president Akhtarul Islam in Patna.
Speaking to reporters, Tejashwi expressed confidence that all "secular parties will come together to defeat the BJP" ahead of the Rajya Sabha election.
"Akhtarul Iman from the AIMIM party had invited us for Iftar, and we have arrived here today for the Iftar. We have sought support from the AIMIM party, and I am confident that in tomorrow's Rajya Sabha election, all secular parties will come together to defeat the BJP," Yadav said.
Speaking to reporters, Tejashwi expressed confidence that all "secular parties will come together to defeat the BJP" ahead of the Rajya Sabha election.
"Akhtarul Iman from the AIMIM party had invited us for Iftar, and we have arrived here today for the Iftar. We have sought support from the AIMIM party, and I am confident that in tomorrow's Rajya Sabha election, all secular parties will come together to defeat the BJP," Yadav said.
09:49 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: BJD issues notice to two suspended MLAs
Odisha's Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has issued a notice to its two suspended MLAs, Sanatan Mahakud and Arabinda Mohapatra, directing them to vote in favour of the party’s official candidate.
Both legislators, elected to the Odisha Assembly on BJD tickets, were earlier suspended over alleged anti-party activities. The party, however, clarified that the suspension does not absolve them of their constitutional responsibilities as members elected on the party symbol.
In the notice, the BJD said its whip instructs all MLAs to vote for the authorised candidate. It warned that voting against the whip or abstaining without prior permission could attract provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, including possible disqualification for voluntarily giving up party membership.
Both legislators, elected to the Odisha Assembly on BJD tickets, were earlier suspended over alleged anti-party activities. The party, however, clarified that the suspension does not absolve them of their constitutional responsibilities as members elected on the party symbol.
In the notice, the BJD said its whip instructs all MLAs to vote for the authorised candidate. It warned that voting against the whip or abstaining without prior permission could attract provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, including possible disqualification for voluntarily giving up party membership.
09:47 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 Live: CM Nitish Kumar, BJP chief Nitin Nabin in fray from Bihar
The ruling NDA has fielded five candidates — Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union ninister Ram Nath Thakur, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha, and BJP leader Shivesh Kumar.
While Thakur and Kushwaha are sitting members of the Upper House, the other three are contesting for a fresh term.
The opposition RJD has nominated Amarendra Dhari Singh, forcing a contest for the fifth seat, despite the NDA having comfortable numbers to secure four.
While Thakur and Kushwaha are sitting members of the Upper House, the other three are contesting for a fresh term.
The opposition RJD has nominated Amarendra Dhari Singh, forcing a contest for the fifth seat, despite the NDA having comfortable numbers to secure four.
09:45 (IST) Mar 16
Rajya Sabha Election Voting 2026 Live: NDA vs. Opposition in 10 states as polling begins
Polling began at 9 am for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections, which are being held for 37 seats across 10 states. The counting of votes will begin at 5 pm.
However, voting for 11 seats will take place, as 26 candidates have already secured unopposed elections.
The terms of the 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will expire in April, paving the way for the election of new members to the Upper House.
The BJP-led NDA is aiming to secure crucial seats against the opposition in key contests in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha.
However, voting for 11 seats will take place, as 26 candidates have already secured unopposed elections.
The terms of the 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will expire in April, paving the way for the election of new members to the Upper House.
The BJP-led NDA is aiming to secure crucial seats against the opposition in key contests in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha.
The biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha to fill 37 seats across 10 states are scheduled on Monday, with votes set to be counted at 5 pm.
The terms of the 37 outgoing members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in April, creating vacancies for new members.
Of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed. Voting will now take place for the remaining 11 seats, including five from Bihar, four from Odisha, and two from Haryana.
Among the 26 unopposed winners, the ruling BJP has secured seven seats, while the main opposition Congress has won five. Other major parties include the TMC and the DMK, both members of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, which have seen four and three candidates, respectively, elected unopposed.
The polling comes during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, the first half of which was held from January 28 to February 13. The second and final phase began on March 9 and will continue until April 2.
The terms of the 37 outgoing members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in April, creating vacancies for new members.
Of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed. Voting will now take place for the remaining 11 seats, including five from Bihar, four from Odisha, and two from Haryana.
Among the 26 unopposed winners, the ruling BJP has secured seven seats, while the main opposition Congress has won five. Other major parties include the TMC and the DMK, both members of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, which have seen four and three candidates, respectively, elected unopposed.
The polling comes during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, the first half of which was held from January 28 to February 13. The second and final phase began on March 9 and will continue until April 2.
Trending
Explore Every Corner
Across The Globe
Mirra AndreevaUS Iran WarCJP protestFrench OpenMohali Office MurderCockroach Janta Party ProtestPatrick Mahomes and Brittany Net WorthAnnamalaiIND vs AFG Live ScoreFIFA World CupNorway ChessRussell Wilson and Ciara Net WorthDharmendra PradhanManav SutharIs fortnite DownPraggnanandhaaDwyane WadesTeam India Squad for IrelandIndian RupeesNatural Gas in Andaman SeaResident Evil Veronica Release DateDelhi Hotel FireIndia t20 squadVaibhav SooryavanshiIndia T20I Squad AnnouncementMaja chwalinskaTaylor SwiftSSC GD Constable Answer KeyFIFA Video Game DealMuhammad Ali ex Wife
Hot on the Web
Spanish ProverbMarry For MoneySaif Ali KhanShah Rukh KhanRam CharanGreen AnacondaDhootha 2Baby NamesHai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai ReviewShilpa ShindeBihar Riverfront ExpresswayPoonam DhillonRupi KaurNushrratt BharucchaKheera VS KakdiZhang YimingKJR RajeshGauri SprattNose RingSouth Delhi Restaurant TragedyJennifer LopezBandar Twitter ReviewWorld Environment Day 2026Drishyam 3 Box Office CollectionKaruppu Box Office CollectionDhurandhar 2 Box Office CollectionPeddi Box Office CollectionRERA FAQsJewar Airport ProjectsHoroscope TodayAI Soil Prediction4th Squadron S-400India Sudarshan ChakraFirstcry CompensationIAF France Jet DealHuman Evolving On Tibetan PlateauLargest Islands In The WorldJellyfish That Never DiesGoogle Release MosquitoesDelivery Firm Refund DeniedNyt ConnectionsCaptions For Instagram Posts
Trending Topics
TN BJP ResignationsChhatarpur Woman AssaultBhangar Blast CaseDelhi Malviya Nagar Hotel FireAbhishek BanerjeeForex ReserveGurgaon Woman AssaultSerena WilliamsDwyane WadesTaylor SwiftKylian MbappeSmackdown ResultJon JonesNFL Trade RumorSneakoTravis KelceKsiTwitch Star NmplolNick PolomJohn ChaykaIran WarJD VanceUS Shots Iranian DroneUS Mango Magic EventAustralian Visa FraudUS Bans VisaPentagon CounterintelligenceFIFA World Cup 2026 AnthemKSI DepartureAbbas AraghchiHock TanGoogle Computing SpaceXJamshid GhomiSam AltmanDario AmodeiAmerica Immigration policyH-1B Visa BillYouTube Premium Price HikeGarena Free Fire MAX Redeem CodesPeroxide CodesGenshin Impact Codes
Popular Categories
HeadlinesSports NewsBusiness NewsIndia NewsWorld NewsInternational SportsHealthBreaking NewsTravelAstrologyDeorhiTOI Young LeadersTOI Home Decor AwardsPower Creator Awards 2026TOI Ecopreneur Awards 2026Gold Rate TodayWeather TodaySilver Price TodayDelhi Weather TodayPetrol Price TodayDiesel Price TodayCNG Price TodayLPG Price TodayPetrol Price MumbaiDelhi AQIIs Bank Open TodayMumbai AQI TodayIs Bank Open TomorrowPublic Holidays in JuneBank Holidays in June
Trending Videos
Ahead Of INDIA Bloc Meet, CPI(M) Asks Congress To Explain BJP 'Deal' Charge During Kerala PollsIndia's Zorawar Tank Can Fire Missiles, Swims Rivers, Fly By C-17, And Take On China In GalwanNATO Powerhouse In Trouble, Shock Leak Reveals Major Military Weakness; 'ONLY 50% COMBAT READY...'Hezbollah Drone Swarm Targets Israeli Military Base Near Lebanon Border; 'Search, Spot & Strike'‘Frustrated Latin American’: Lula Publicly Shames Rubio As Tariff War Explodes Into Personal Feud‘Indian, African, American, Muslim, Hindu’: Zohran Mamdani’s Identity Speech Goes Viral | Watch‘Listen Like You Might Be Wrong’: Harvard Student Goes Viral For Exceptional Speech | Watch‘Son Of Immigrants’: Ex-Seal, Now Nasa Astronaut’s Message To Trump In Harvard Address‘No Alcohol For You’: Harvard Grad Unloads On Trump, Hegseth In Hilarious Speech; Crowd In StitchesViral: Harvard Prodigy's 12-Mins On 'Free Speech' Shakes Up Trump; 'Students Are Afraid...'US-UK Clash Explodes After Henry Nowak Murder Video Shocks NationQuran Kisses, Emotional Goodbyes As Iran Heads To World Cup Under Shadow Of War; US Visa Row DeepensHUGE DAMAGE! Iran's Emad Strike Turns US Army Base In Kuwait 'INOPERABLE'? Visuals Proof OutTrump Appears To 'Seek Help' On Single Step; Video Reignites Health Speculation Kuwait Condemns Fresh Iranian Missile Attack, Calls It Violation Of Sovereignty | Watch‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata BanerjeeIRGC In Gunfight With Suspected 'Infiltrators' Along Iranian Border, Clash Leaves Six DeadBreak Free From the Illusions Created by Your Own Mind | It's Is Fooling You| Ft.Shishir Usha Bharti
Latest News
Hazaribag man drowns while fishing in lake"Behen Darr Gayi!": Fans relive ‘Bhagam Bhag’ era after watching Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla' trailerMBOSE HSLC result 2026 to release tomorrow: Check details hereIran war risk: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns of oil shocks, sticky inflation and higher interest ratesMake your clutch last longer with these easy driving tips“Three-against-one situation”: El Rubius opens up on being “targeted” in MrBeast’s viral $1M challengeBihar BTSC lab assistant notification released for 1091 posts at btsc.bihar.gov.in; apply hereIPL craze costs techie Rs 1.46 lakh in fake RCB vs CSK ticket scamRaising “robot-proof” kids: Why creativity and curiosity matter more than everInside ‘Satguru Sharan’: Exploring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Rs 100 crore Bandra homeHow selling Alaska in 1867 was a costly mistake for Russia'Hera Pheri 3 is coming': Paresh Rawal dismisses delay reports and reveals he will 'start shooting soon'US-Iran War: A daring rescue Hollywood blockbuster is on its way. Till then, pick your favourite from these 10 films on bringing someone home against all oddsKolkata team unveils fan mural at Rash Behari Avenue, celebrating city’s first loveHow US spread a lie to rescue a pilot of a jet shot down in IranNetflix unveils ‘VOID’, an AI model that can change a movie plotAI data centers are causing 'stress' not just to tech companies, but also private insurers"Trans women are.....": Clavicular’s viral moment with trans women sparks fresh conversation on internet culture
Copyright © 2026 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service