Rakesh Sinha, Sonal Mansingh among four nominated by President to Rajya Sabha

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday announced the nominations to the Rajya Sabha - the Upper House of Parliament in an exercise of the powers conferred by Article 80 of the Constitution of India, and on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The nominations include farmer leader Ram Shakal, author and columnist Rakesh Sinha, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh.

Rakesh Sinha is the Founder and Honorary Director of the Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation.” He is also currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. Singh is a regular columnist in a number of newspaper.

Raghunath Mohapatra is a famous sculptor who has trained thousands of students. His famous works include a 6 feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone, in the Central Hall of Parliament; and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris.

Sonal Mansingh is one the most renowned figure of the Indian Classical Dance and has been performing Bharatnatyam and Odissi for over six decades. She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, in Delhi in 1977.

Ram Shakal is a farmer leader from Uttar Pradesh and has been widely respected for fighting for farmers cause, laborers and migrants. He has also been a three-time Member of Parliament, representing Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh.

The nominees will replace sportsman Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha, businesswoman Anu Agha, and former Attorney General of India K Parasaran.

Article 80(1)(a) read with Article 80(3) of the Constitution of India provides that the President can nominate to Rajya Sabha, 12 persons having special knowledge, or practical experience in respect of literature, science, art and social service.

There were, currently, eight nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, and hence, four vacancies.

Each member is elected for a term ofsix years.