President of India Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha including Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, C Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Meenakshi Jain under Article 80(1)(a) read with clause (3) of the Constitution. These nominations fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members.
The official announcement, published in the Gazette on Saturday, 12 July 2025, noted that these nominations are part of the President’s constitutional power to nominate up to 12 individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and public service.
Appointees from law, diplomacy, academia and social work
Ujjwal Nikam, a veteran public prosecutor, is best known for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial. Recognised for his contribution to the Indian legal system, Nikam was also the BJP candidate from Mumbai North Central in the 2024 General Elections.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Foreign Secretary, has had an illustrious diplomatic career, including stints as India’s ambassador to the US, Bangladesh, and Thailand. He also served as Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 presidency in 2023.
C Sadanandan Master, a respected social worker and teacher from Kerala, has long been associated with the BJP. A victim of political violence, he lost both his legs in a brutal attack by CPI(M) workers in 1994. Despite his injuries, he continued to work for education and social upliftment in his community.
Meenakshi Jain, a noted historian, served as an Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, Delhi University. Her academic work focuses on Indian history, culture, and civilisation.