President Ram Nath Kovind, on the advice of PM Modi, has nominated Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Rakesh Sinha; well-known exponent of classical dance, Sonal Mansingh; artiste Raghunath Mohapatra, and former UP MP and Dalit leader Ram Shakal to the Rajya Sabha, PTI reported.
The nominations came four days ahead of the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament. The declaration comes after four Rajya Sabha members – legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, veteran actress Rekha, social activist Anu Agha and veteran lawyer K Parasaran – retired in April, NDTV reported.
Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that the president can nominate to the Rajya Sabha 12 persons having special knowledge, or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art and social service. There were, currently, eight nominated members in the Rajya Sabha.
The Opposition is expected to press for early elections to the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman during the monsoon session as the post fell vacant after retirement of PJ Kurien on 1 July, IANS reported.
Former BJP Lawmaker Among Nominees
Raghunath Mohapatra
Raghunath Mohapatra is an internationally renowned sculptor and architect from Odisha. He is known for his contribution towards the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments, reported NDTV. He has trained over 2,000 students and has been responsible for the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
His famous works include a six-feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone in the Central Hall of Parliament and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris, the NDTV report added.
He was awarded Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Bhushan in 2001. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2013 on the occasion of 64th Republic day of India.
Ram Shakal
Ram Shakal is a former BJP lawmaker and was a three-term Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Robertsganj constituency, NDTV reported. Known for being a “people’s leader,” Shakal has championed the through his extensive work extensively for the welfare and well-being of the Dalit community, the report added.
Sonal Mansingh
Sonal Mansingh is among India's pioneering exponents of the Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance forms. A well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist, Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in Delhi in 1977, NDTV reported.
Over the years, she has many awards to her credit including the Padma Bhushan (1992), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, and the Padma Vibhushan, India's the second highest civilian award, in 2003.
Rakesh Sinha
RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha is the founder and honorary director of the Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation,” the report cited.
A member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Sinha also teaches at Motilal Nehu College of Delhi University.
(With inputs from NDTV and IANS)
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