Ex-Diplomat, 26/11 Prosecutor Among Four Nominated to Rajya Sabha
The President of India has nominated four new members to the Rajya Sabha. The appointees are former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam who was the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master. These nominations fill vacancies in the upper house of Parliament with prominent figures from diplomacy, law, academia, and politics, reflecting the government's choices for the Council of States.
Unpacked:
The President of India can nominate up to twelve members to the Rajya Sabha for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service. These appointments ensure that the upper house benefits from the knowledge and experience of eminent personalities, enriching legislative debates and policy-making.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a former Foreign Secretary of India and a seasoned diplomat. He has served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Thailand. He was also the Chief G20 Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency in 2023.
Ujjwal Nikam is a renowned lawyer known for serving as the special public prosecutor in several high-profile cases, most notably the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. His legal expertise and experience in handling sensitive national security cases make his nomination noteworthy.
Meenakshi Jain is a historian recognized for her work in Indian history and academia. C. Sadanandan Master is a BJP leader from Kerala with a background in politics and social work. Their appointments bring perspectives from academia and regional politics to the upper house.