Actor-turned-politician Rakhi Sawant is best suited to replace former Bollywood star Rekha in the Rajya Sabha, according to Republican Party of India president and Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athavale. Amid the debate over Rekha's long absence in the Upper house, Athavale, who is a key ally of the Shiv Sena-BJP combine in Maharashtra, pitched for Rakhi's nomination to the Rajya Sabha with the promise that he would personally ensure Sawant's presence. Athavale's suggestion has certainly given the incumbent government pause for thought when the question of nominations come up in future, especially given its current minority status in the Rajya Sabha.
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