New Delhi: Prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam was among the four prestigious persons enrolled in the Rajya Sabha by President Draupadi Murmu on Sunday, who used to fill vacancies for about a year. Nikam had failed for the Lok Sabha from Mumbai North Central as a BJP candidate in the 2024 elections, and his defeat disappointed many nationalists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced X to announce the nomination, in which a key RSS worker from Kerala C. Sadanandan Master, retired diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla and eminent historian Meenakshi Jain were also included. Nikam was known for the tireless discovery of justice in high-profile cases such as 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, a bitter defeat last year. Despite his reputation as a person hanging terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon, vote polarization in their constituency had touched the scales against them. In his X post, Prime Minister Modi praised Nikam’s exemplary legal career, emphasizing his role in strengthening justice and dignity for common citizens. Modi wrote, “Bhakti is exemplary for the legal sector of Shri Ujjwal Nikam and our Constitution. He has not only been a successful lawyer, but has also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important matters,” Modi wrote. Along with Nikam, a senior Kerala RSS leader C. Sadanandan Master included, who lost both legs for CPIM terrorist attack in 1994 and now walk with prosthetic organs. The Prime Minister highlighted the nomination of the master, called it “tribute to the victims of red terrorism”. Third nominated man, Harsh Vardan Shringla, an experienced diplomat, was also considered by the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections last year. Modi Post appreciated Shringla’s contribution to India’s global position, especially during his tenure as Foreign Secretary. Meenakshi Jain, a prestigious historian, was recognized for his work in preserving India’s cultural heritage, as mentioned in PM Modi’s post. Four vacancies have been pending since the retirement of Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal Rajbhar, Sonal Mansinh and Mahesh Jethmalani in July last year.
