New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four individuals to the Rajya Sabha — eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, historian Dr Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala-based teacher and social worker C Sadanandan Master.

The appointments, announced via an official Gazette notification dated Saturday, July 12, 2025, were made to fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members.

The President invoked Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, which empowers her to nominate individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.

Among the appointees is Ujjwal Nikam, one of the country’s most high-profile public prosecutors, known for his role as Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case and other major trials.

In the 2024 General Elections, he contested from Mumbai North Central as a BJP candidate but lost to Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Foreign Secretary, has held several key diplomatic assignments, including Ambassador to the US, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

He also served as Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.

C Sadanandan Master, a long-time teacher and social worker from Kerala, is affiliated with the BJP.

Master contested the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections and is also known for surviving a gruesome 1994 attack allegedly carried out by CPI(M) workers, in which both his legs were severed near his village, Perinchery.

The fourth nominee, Dr Meenakshi Jain, is a noted historian and former Associate Professor at Gargi College, University of Delhi. Her academic work in Indian history has earned her wide recognition.