In an unusual scenario, two seats of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha have remained vacant for more than 20 months. While this vacancy did not have any immediate impact on legislative proceedings, it is surprising that the government has not filled these positions with suitable candidates.
The Rajya Sabha consists of twelve nominated members who possess special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. The President nominates these members on the advice of the central government.
In April-May 2022, seven Rajya Sabha seats under the nominated category became vacant. However, five of these seats were filled within four months through the nomination of individuals such as P. T. Usha (athlete), D. V. Heggade (social worker), V. Vijayendra Prasad (screenwriter-director), Ilaiyaraaja (music composer), and Gulam Ali.
However, the remaining two seats have continued to remain vacant since May 2022. It is noteworthy that nominated members hold the same powers, privileges, and immunities as elected members of Parliament and actively participate in the proceedings of the Upper House. While they do not have the right to vote in the election of the President of India, they possess voting rights in the election of the Vice-President of India.
Nominated members have the option to join a political party within six months of assuming their seat in the Upper House. Currently, five out of ten nominated MPs have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These members include Ram Shakal, Rakesh Sinha, Sonal Mansingh, Mahesh Jehmalani, and Gulam Ali. Gulam Ali is set to retire in September 2028, while the other four will retire in July this year.
On the other hand, five nominated members, including Ranjan Gogoi (former Chief Justice of India), P. T. Usha, D. V. Heggade, V. Vijayendra Prasad, and Ilaiyaraaja, have not affiliated themselves with any political party after their nomination. Nominated members are usually crucial for passing bills if the ruling party/alliance does not have a majority in the Upper House.
The Rajya Sabha currently has five other vacancies, including four from Jammu & Kashmir and one from Rajasthan.
Read More: [Two Nominated Seats in Rajya Sabha Vacant for Over 20 Months](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-nominated-seats-in-rajya-sabha-vacant-for-over-20-months/articleshow/107212686.cms)
