President nominates RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha among three others to Rajya Sabha

Ahead of the monsoon session of the Parliament, the President of India, today nominated four members to Rajya Sabha on the recommendation of the government. The names include farmer leader and former MP Ram Shakal, author and columnist Rakesh Sinha, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh.

Rakesh Sinha is a widely read author who is the founder and honorary director of the think-tank "Indian Policy Foundation". Sinha is a regular columnist in various publications.

Ram Shakal is a public leader who has worked for the well-being and upbringing of the Dalit community. Shakal has been a Member of the Parliament in the past, representing the Robertsganj constituency. Raghunath Mohapatra, a renowned architect and sculptor who is recipient of Padma Shri and Padma bhushan.


Bharatnatyam and Odissi exponent, Sonal Mansingh is the fourth name in the list. Mansingh is a social activist, teacher and choreographer.

The nominees enter the Rajya Sabha to replace Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha, former AG of India K Parasaran and businesswoman Anu Agha.

The President of India has the power to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha with special knowledge or experience in fields like literature, art, science and social service. Eight of the total nominated seats With the nomination of four new members, the President has filled the vacant four seats.