Dalit Leader Ram Shakal, RSS Ideologue Rakesh Sinha Among Four Nominated To Rajya Sabha indianexpress.com

President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday nominated farmer leader Ram Shakal, professor and author Rakesh Sinha, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and dancer Sonal Mansingh to the Rajya Sabha. The Constitution allows the President to nominate 12 people with special knowledge or practical experience in respect to literature, science, art of social service to the Upper House. There are already eight nominees in the House.

Shakal, 55, is a three-time Member of Parliament from Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh. He has served on several committees in Parliament including Labour and Welfare, Energy, Agriculture, Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Dalit leader comes from the Baiswar community which has a presence in bordering areas of Madhya Pradesh as well. The move may help the BJP in these regions as the state goes to polls.