New Faces in Rajya Sabha: President Murmu Nominates Nikam, Shringla & Others

New Delhi (India) July 13: Four people have been nominated by President Droupadi Murmu to the Rajya Sabha. The nominations include renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, veteran diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain and teacher and social worker C Sadanandan Master.

The announcement stated that the nominations were made to cover vacancies left by the retirement of previously nominated members. It was published in an official Gazette notification on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Ujjwal Nikam

One of India's most well-known public prosecutors, Ujjwal Nikam, is one of the nominees. He is famous for serving as Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial. The BJP put Nikam forward in the 2024 General Elections from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat.

PM Modi congratulated Nikam and posted, "Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings" on X.

Harsh Shringla

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has served in important diplomatic positions such as ambassador to Thailand, Bangladesh and the United States. In 2023, he was also the Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency. He served as the Foreign Secretary between January 2020 and April 2022.

PM Modi posted, “Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he’s been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings" on X.

C Sadanandan 

C Sadanandan Master is an experienced teacher and social worker from Kerala. He has a lengthy history with the BJP. He is known for having survived violent political violence in 1994. A CPI(M) cadre is said to have attacked him and amputated both of his legs.

PM Modi posted, "Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP" on X.

Meenakshi Jain

Dr Meenakshi Jain is a prominent historian. She is a former associate professor of history at Gargi College, University of Delhi. Jain's contributions to academia and her work in Indian history are well known.

PM Modi posted, "It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure."

The President used her authority under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution. It gives her the right to propose members with particular expertise in the fields of social service, science, literature and the arts. The President can nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.

Aadrika Tayal