Ex-foreign secretary Shringla, prosecutor Nikam among four nominated to Rajya Sabha

Ujjwal Nikam

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, 26/11 public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

The Union Home Ministry late Saturday issued a notification stating that the President has nominated the four to fill vacancies caused by the retirement of earlier nominated members, under Article 80 of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the nominations and praised each of the individuals for their contributions in their respective fields.

On Nikam, Modi said his dedication to law and justice was “exemplary.” “He has always worked to strengthen constitutional values and ensure common citizens are treated with dignity,” the PM said on X. Nikam, who was the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror case, was also the BJP candidate from Mumbai North Central in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Welcoming Shringla’s nomination, the PM said the former diplomat’s perspectives would enrich parliamentary proceedings. Shringla is a 1984 batch Indian Foreign Service officer who served as India’s ambassador to the US and Thailand, and high commissioner to Bangladesh. He was also the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency.

On Dr Meenakshi Jain, Modi said her work has enriched the country’s academic discourse. Jain, a Padma Shri awardee, has taught at Gargi College in Delhi University and written extensively on Indian history and civilisation.

The Prime Minister also praised Sadanandan Master for his resilience and courage. “Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development,” Modi wrote. A former teacher and social worker from Kannur, Kerala, Master had both legs amputated in 1994 after a politically motivated attack. He had contested assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 as a BJP candidate.

The Rajya Sabha can have up to 12 nominated members chosen by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service. Four nominated seats were vacant.

(With PTI inputs)