Cong, CPI(M) slam Sadanandan Master''s RS nomination

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 14 (PTI) The nomination of BJP Kerala Vice President C Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress and CPI(M) in Kerala. They alleged on Monday that the Centre is misusing the Rajya Sabha nomination process, which was meant to honour people with special achievements.

The President of India on Sunday nominated four individuals to the Rajya Sabha --former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and C Sadanandan Master, a senior leader from the politically sensitive Kannur district and a long-time BJP organiser.

Leaders of both the Congress and the CPI(M) in Kerala have expressed concern, accusing the BJP of using the constitutional provision for political gain rather than for recognising excellence in fields like literature, science, arts, and social service, as envisaged under Article 80 of the Constitution.

"This is not what the Rajya Sabha nominations are meant for," said Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Monday "When P T Usha was nominated from sports, nobody objected because she had earned her place. But now, all RSS functionaries are being pushed in through this route. The BJP is misusing the power to nominate," the Congress leader told reporters in Thrissur.

In a Facebook post, CPI(M) state secretariat member M Swaraj said, “The same seat that once honoured legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar is now going to the BJP state vice president. Let the BJP send its leaders from states where it holds power -- not by misusing nominations that were meant to honour national icons." Swaraj also pointed out that while political interests influencing Rajya Sabha nominations isn't new, "what we are seeing now is a blatant departure from merit and propriety." On Sunday, Sadanandan Master had said the nomination was aimed at advancing the BJP's development agenda for Kerala.

A former schoolteacher and a survivor of a 1994 political attack --in which he lost both legs -- Master had said the decision reflected the BJP's commitment to "Viksit Keralam" (Developed Kerala).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised Master's courage, calling him "an epitome of resilience" and commending his work as a teacher and social worker. PTI TGB ROH