Nominated Members Ujjwal Nikam, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and C Sadanandan Master Join BJP
In a significant political milestone, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the 100-seat mark in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since 2022. The development follows the induction of three newly nominated members—eminent criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Kerala-based social worker C Sadanandan Master—into the party fold.
Strategic Boost to BJP’s Upper House Strength
The Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, comprises 245 members, including 12 who can be nominated by the President for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. The induction of nominated members into party ranks has historically been rare and symbolically potent.
With the formal entry of Nikam, Shringla, and Sadanandan Master into the BJP, the party’s numerical strength in the Rajya Sabha has now exceeded 100, reinforcing its legislative influence and signaling its continued political consolidation at the national level.
This is the first time the BJP has crossed the 100-mark in the Upper House since its peak in 2022, following changes brought about by periodic retirements, resignations, and new appointments.
Profiles of the New Entrants
- Ujjwal Nikam is one of India’s most well-known public prosecutors, having handled high-profile cases such as the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and the murder of Gulshan Kumar. His legal acumen and public credibility bring a strong voice to parliamentary debates, especially on law, justice, and national security.
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of India. He has previously served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand. His induction into the BJP suggests the party’s intention to leverage his expertise on foreign policy, regional diplomacy, and global trade.
- C Sadanandan Master is a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and social worker from Kerala. Known for his grassroots connect and long-standing involvement in socio-political activism, his entry strengthens the BJP’s outreach in southern India, particularly in the traditionally Left-leaning state of Kerala.
Political Implications
The BJP’s numeric edge in the Rajya Sabha is crucial for the passage of key legislation, especially in areas where resistance from opposition parties in the Upper House has previously slowed or blocked reforms. Though the party enjoys a solid majority in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha has remained a chamber of checks and balances, with shifting equations often playing a decisive role in policymaking.
The inclusion of prominent, non-elected figures with specialized expertise also reflects BJP’s strategy of broadening its intellectual and professional base within Parliament.
With a tally now above 100, the BJP is expected to push forward its legislative agenda with greater confidence, especially in areas such as judicial reforms, economic policy, national security, and social welfare.
Looking Ahead
This development sets the stage for a more assertive BJP presence in the Rajya Sabha in the coming parliamentary sessions. The entry of respected professionals and public figures into active political roles could also elevate the quality of debates and bring domain-specific insights into national policymaking.
As the 2025 Monsoon Session of Parliament unfolds, the focus will remain on how the BJP utilizes its renewed strength in both Houses to drive forward its vision for legislative and governance reforms.
