Subramanian Swamy, Navjot Sidhu, Mary Kom, Salim Khan, all set for Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, former MP  and cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, Olympic medalist boxer Mary Kom, Screenwriter Salim Khan and Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi are likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, sources said. The Rajya Sabha has 12 nominated members in its total strength of 245. Of the 12 nominated members, there are seven vacancies at the moment. Entry of Swamy, known baiter of the Gandhi family, into Rajya Sabha is being seen as a significant move. Swamy on Friday took to twitter to thank his supporters and said, "as MP I will get the most important forum speaking on nations issues."

I thank PTs for the consistent support through the last two years. As MP I will get the most important forum speaking on nation;s issues

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) April 22, 2016

On the government’s recommendation, the President nominates members from those with special knowledge or having made their mark in literature, science, art and social service. Currently, there are already five nominated members by the President: industrialist Anu Agha, lawyer K Parasaran, actor Rekha, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and senior advocate KTS Tulsi - who were nominated by the UPA government.