New Delhi, July 13, 2025
New Rajya Sabha Members appointed by President Droupadi Murmu – four distinguished personalities to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution. The appointments, formalized via a Ministry of Home Affairs notification on July 12, fill vacancies left by retiring nominated members.
Table of Contents
New Rajya Sabha Members – Meet the Four Nominees
1. Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- A veteran diplomat, he served as India’s Foreign Secretary (2020–2022) and as Ambassador to the USA, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
- Acted as Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
- His nomination brings seasoned foreign policy expertise to the Upper House.
2. Ujjwal Deorao Nikam
- Renowned as the Special Public Prosecutor in high-profile cases including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 1993 Bombay blasts, and Gulshan Kumar murder.
- A BJP leader and 2024 Lok Sabha candidate from Mumbai North Central.
- His legal acumen is expected to enrich parliamentary debates on criminal justice and national security.
3. Dr Meenakshi Jain
- A respected historiographer and Padma Shri recipient, known for her influential works on Indian civilization, temples, and religious history.
- Former Associate Professor at Delhi University’s Gargi College and current Senior Fellow at ICSSR.
- Her nomination brings deep cultural and academic insight to legislative discussions.
4. C Sadanandan Master
- A dedicated teacher and grassroots social worker from Kerala’s Thrissur.
- Survived a politically motivated attack in the 1990s and actively works with the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram.
- His life story embodies resilience and commitment to public service.
See on Twitter
New Rajya Sabha Members – Significance of the Nominations
- These four join a select group of 12 nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, chosen for their specialized knowledge in arenas like literature, art, education, and public service.
- Their diverse expertise – diplomacy, law, history, social activism – enhances the depth and quality of policy discussions.
- Strategically, such nominations also ensure representation from southern India, where the BJP aims to expand its parliamentary influence.
Outgoing Members They Replaced:
- Rakesh Sinha – Political thinker and professor; nominated in July 2018.
- Ram Shakal – Former MP and social worker; known for work in Dalit upliftment.
- Sonal Mansingh – Renowned classical dancer and cultural icon.
- Raghunath Mohapatra – Eminent sculptor (passed away in May 2021). His seat had remained vacant.
What’s Next?
- The nominated members will serve a six-year term, ending on July 12, 2031.
- They are expected to participate actively in debates, bring sector-specific insights, and contribute to national policymaking in their fields.
Bottom Line
President Murmu’s latest nominations – a diplomat, a prosecutor, a historian, and a social educator—underscore a trend: integrating real-world expertise into legislative processes. Their collective experience promises more informed deliberations in the Rajya Sabha.
Keep following Duniya Daily for more such interesting news!
