From 26/11 case prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to historian Meenakshi Jain — the 4 new members nominated to Rajya Sabha

The President nominates 12 people to the Rajya Sabha.

Nominated members enjoy all the powers and privileges to which the elected MPs are entitled, but are not allowed to vote in the election of the President.

PM Modi congratulates nominated members

Ujjwal Nikam

Special public prosecutor Nikam became a household name when he represented Maharashtra during the 26/11 terror trial against Ajmal Kasab. The go-to lawyer lost the Mumbai North Central seat in the Lok Sabha elections last year.

“During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings,” PM Modi wrote in his post on X.

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. During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

Sadanandan Master

He is a prominent figure in the BJP’s Kerala unit. In 1994, both legs of Sadanandan Master, then an RSS activist, were chopped off by alleged CPM activists.

In his congratulatory message, the PM wrote: “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. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP.”

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. He is extremely passionate towards youth…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

Harsh Vardhan Shringla

Shringla served as the foreign secretary from 2020 to 2022. He was also India’s ambassador to the US during 2019-2020 and worked closely with PM Modi during the “Howdy Modi” event held in Texas in 2019. He also served as the chief coordinator of India’s G-20 presidency in 2023. A prominent Gorkha face, Shringla hails from the Darjeeling hills

“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,” PM Modi wrote.

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.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

Dr Meenakshi Jain

On historian and professor Dr Meenakshi Jain’s nomination, the PM wrote: “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.”

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

Constitution on nominated members

Article 80 of the Constitution (“Composition of the Council of States”) says “The Council of States shall consist of:

(a) twelve members to be nominated by the President in accordance with the provisions of clause (3);

(b) not more than two hundred and thirty-eight representatives of the States and of the Union territories.”

Clause 3 of the article layer down the qualifications for the appointment:

“The members to be nominated by the President…shall consist of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as the following, namely — Literature, science, art and social service.”