Music composer Ilaiyaraaja & PT Usha among 4 nominated to RS

CHENNAI: The government on Wednesday nominated four noted personalities, including music maestro Ilaiyaraaja and celebrated athlete P T Usha from as many southern states to the Rajya Sabha, in what is being seen as the ruling BJP’s big outreach to recognise prominent figures from south India.

Veerendra Heggade, the head of the famous Dharmasthala temple in Karnataka and a philanthropist, and screenwriter K V Vijayendra Prasad, who is from Andhra Pradesh and is known for blockbusters like RRR, the Baahubali series and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, were the two other choices of the government for the Upper House of Parliament. Usha is from Kerala and Ilaiyaraaja, a Dalit, is from Tamil Nadu.

The decision came days after BJP, at its national executive meeting in Hyderabad, identified south India as the territory for its next phase of growth. The saffron party has been traditionally weak in southern India, barring Karnataka.

The creative genius of @ilaiyaraaja Ji has enthralled people across generations. His works beautifully reflect many emotions. What is equally inspiring is his life journey- he rose from a humble background and achieved so much. Glad that he has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/VH6wedLByC

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all four and cited their contributions in their respective fields.

“The creative genius of Ilaiyaraaja Ji has enthralled people across generations. His works beautifully reflect many emotions. What is equally inspiring is his life journey -- he rose from a humble background and achieved so much. Glad that he has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha,” Modi tweeted.

“The remarkable PT Usha Ji is an inspiration for every Indian. Her accomplishments in sports are widely known but equally commendable is her work to mentor budding athletes over the last several years.”

The remarkable PT Usha Ji is an inspiration for every Indian. Her accomplishments in sports are widely known but equally commendable is her work to mentor budding athletes over the last several years. Congratulations to her on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. @PTUshaOfficial pic.twitter.com/uHkXu52Bgc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2022

For Heggade, the PM said he is at the forefront of outstanding community service. “I have had the opportunity to pray at the Dharmasthala Temple and also witness the great work he is doing in health, education and culture. He will certainly enrich Parliamentary proceedings,” he said.

Praising Prasad, Modi noted that he has been associated with the creative world for decades and his work showcases India’s glorious culture and has made a mark globally.