President Nominates BJP Veteran C. Sadanandan to Rajya Sabha, Hailed as ‘Living Martyr’

The President of India has nominated C. Sadanandan Master, a long-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Kerala’s Kannur district, to the Rajya Sabha.

Recognised by the BJP as a “living martyr,” Sadanandan lost both his legs in a suspected attack by Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers in 1994.

Despite the life-changing assault, he has remained active in public life, standing as the BJP’s candidate from Koothuparamba constituency in the 2021 Kerala legislative Assembly elections.

A Life of Commitment and Resilience

A former lower primary school teacher, Sadanandan Master has been an active participant in various political and social initiatives.

He served as the president of the National Teachers’ Union and is affiliated with the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, an RSS think tank.

His nomination to the Upper House is seen as a tribute to his long-standing service and unwavering dedication. Speaking after the announcement, he said that the decision by the party high command aligns with the BJP’s vision of “Viksit Keralam” (Developed Kerala).

He also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at the appointment during an earlier interaction, and he officially learned of it on the morning of the announcement.

Political Journey and Background

C. Sadanandan Master’s political story is deeply rooted in Kannur, one of Kerala’s most politically sensitive regions. He comes from a communist family and was active in the CPI(M) during his college years.

He attended Mattannur Sivapuram Higher Secondary School, where former health minister K K Shailaja once taught.

He then completed his pre-degree from Pazhassi Raja NSS College in Mattannur, followed by a degree from St. Mary’s College in Kuthuparamba. After earning a B.Ed. from a college in Guwahati, he began teaching at Kuzhikkal LP School in Kannur.

His transformation from a CPI(M) student activist to a senior BJP leader was marked by personal trials.

In 1994, while serving as the RSS Boudhik Pramukh for Kannur, he was allegedly targeted in a brutal attack by CPI(M) workers. Though the attack cost him his legs, it did not diminish his spirit. The BJP now refers to him as a symbol of courage and unbroken resolve.

Public Recognition and Organisational Roles

In addition to contesting assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 from Koothuparamba, Sadanandan has taken on several important roles within the BJP’s state and ideological structure.

He has served as deputy vice-president of the Kerala BJP and contributed to the editorial board of the party’s state mouthpiece, Janmabhoomi. His association with the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram further reflects his ideological grounding and intellectual engagement with party values.

Praise from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the nomination in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on July 13. “Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice.

Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Part of a Broader List of Appointments

Sadanandan’s nomination was part of a Gazette notification dated July 12, which also included the appointments of lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and historian Dr Meenakshi Jain.

These nominations fill vacancies arising from the retirement of earlier nominated members.

Legacy of a Survivor and Teacher

Sadanandan Master’s journey from a local school teacher in Thrissur to a national figure symbolises both the personal cost of political violence and the strength to rise above it.

His activism, despite the challenges, and his commitment to party values have made him a revered figure in the BJP and RSS. His appointment to the Rajya Sabha marks recognition of a life dedicated to public service, ideological commitment, and the enduring spirit of resilience.