26/11 prosecutor, former foreign secretary, 2 others nominated to Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: Prominent lawyer
Ujjwal Nikam
and retired diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla were among four distinguished individuals nominated to Rajya Sabha by President
Droupadi Murmu
, filling vacancies that had lingered for nearly a year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
took to X to announce the nominations, which also included C Sadanandan Master, a prominent RSS worker from Kerala; and eminent historian Meenakshi Jain.
Sadanandan Master had lost his legs in an attack by CPM goons in 1994 and now walks with prosthetic limbs. The PM highlighted his life as the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice.
Nikam's devotion to legal field, Constitution is exemplary: PM
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,' Modi said.
Nikam had made an unsuccessful bid for the Lok Sabha from Mumbai North Central in the 2024 elections as a
BJP
candidate, and his defeat had left many disheartened. He is known for his relentless pursuit of justice in high-profile cases like the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
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Despite his reputation as the man who secured the hanging of terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon, vote polarisation in his constituency had tipped the scales against him in LS polls.
In his X post, Modi praised Nikam's exemplary legal career, emphasising his role in strengthening justice and dignity for common citizens. '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.'
Shringla, a seasoned diplomat, was reported to be in consideration for Lok Sabha polls by BJP last year. Modi's post lauded Shringla's contributions to India's global standing, particularly during his tenure as foreign secretary.
Jain was recognised for her work in preserving India's cultural heritage, as noted in Modi's post. The four vacancies have been pending since the retirement of Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal Rajbhar, Sonal Mansingh and Mahesh Jethmalani in July last year.
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