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**Controversy Erupts Over BJP Leader’s Nomination to Rajya Sabha**

**Thiruvananthapuram, July 14, 2025** – A political storm is brewing in Kerala following the nomination of BJP leader C. Sadanandan to the Rajya Sabha. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has publicly questioned the criteria used for the nomination, specifically challenging the grounds of “excellence for education and knowledge” under which Mr. Sadanandan was proposed.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr. Chennithala stated he was “puzzled by which yardstick of excellence” the President had applied. He argued that Mr. Sadanandan lacked any demonstrable achievement comparable to previous Rajya Sabha nominees known for significant contributions in fields like sports and acting, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Gopi.

Mr. Chennithala’s concerns were echoed by short story writer Asokan Charuvil, who alleged in a Facebook post that Mr. Sadanandan’s only claim to fame was his involvement in the RSS’s “strong-arm politics” in Kannur. Mr. Charuvil further asserted that Mr. Sadanandan has no known contributions to social service, literature, art, or science, and has never even won an election. He contrasted the nomination with past selections of renowned figures like poet G. Sankara Kurup.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has also voiced his support for Mr. Chennithala’s position, stating that Mr. Sadanandan’s nomination has cast doubt on the integrity and ethics of the nomination process itself. The controversy raises questions about the selection criteria for Rajya Sabha members and the justification for Mr. Sadanandan’s elevation to the Upper House.

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