New Delhi, India — April 6, 2026
India marked a historic milestone in its parliamentary journey on Monday as 19 newly elected and re-elected members took the oath of office in the Rajya Sabha, with constitutional lawyer Menaka Guruswamy emerging as the central figure of the ceremony.
Guruswamy, elected from West Bengal on a All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket, became the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to serve as a Member of Parliament in India. Her oath-taking marked a significant moment for representation and inclusion in the country’s highest legislative institutions.
The oath ceremony was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan in the Upper House chamber, in the presence of senior government officials and parliamentary leaders.
A Landmark Journey: From Courtroom to Parliament
At 51, Guruswamy’s entry into Parliament carries both symbolic and substantive significance. An alumnus of Oxford and Harvard, she is widely recognized for her role in the landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling that decriminalized homosexuality by striking down parts of Section 377.
Her legal advocacy has long centered on constitutional values, civil liberties, and equality. Following her oath, Guruswamy reiterated her commitment to advancing non-discrimination and equal rights in line with the Indian Constitution.
Her nomination by TMC is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s voice on constitutional issues and civil rights within Parliament.
19 Members Take Oath
Alongside Guruswamy, a diverse group of 18 other members also took the oath, reflecting a mix of seasoned politicians and new entrants. Notable names included Ramdas Athawale, Sharad Pawar, Anbumani Ramadoss, M. Thambidurai, Tiruchi Siva, Babul Supriyo, and Dilip Ray, among others.
The ceremony highlighted the continued renewal of India’s Upper House with representatives from multiple regions and political backgrounds.
Diversity on Display
The oath-taking also showcased India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. Members chose to take their oath in multiple languages, including Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Odia, Hindi, and English—reflecting the country’s “unity in diversity.”
Regionally, the new entrants included members from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha, reinforcing the federal character of the Rajya Sabha.
Senior Leaders in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P. C. Mody, along with other senior officials.
