In what may come as surprise to over a billion cricket fans in the world, Sachin Tendulkar decides to take fresh guard as a parliamentarian
With President Pratibha Patil approving his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar will now play the new role of a parliamentarian. Along with Tendulkar, renowned actor Rekha and businesswoman Anu Aga will also become the member of the Upper House.
“The president has approved the nomination of Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha and Anu Aga to the Rajya Sabha,” said Rashtrapati Bhavan Spokesperson Archana Datta. Under Article 80 of the Constitution, the president can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and Article 80 of the Constitution provides for nomination of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service. However, Tendulkar is the first active sportsperson to become a parliamentarian.
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New game! Sachin Tendulkaru00a0is the first active sportsperson to become a parliamentarian. He, along with Rekha, will now be seen often in the corridors of power. File pic
Tendulkar and his wife Anjali met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in New Delhi yesterday. While Congressmen earlier claimed it “a courtesy visit”, as Gandhi was keen to greet the cricketer on his feat of scoring 100 international centuries, the picture became clear in the evening. Interestingly, IPL Chairman and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla was also present on the occasion. Sources said that post noon Tendulkar’s name was forwarded to the president for notification and by evening the official announcement was made.
The main opposition party — BJP — welcomed the move. “Tendulkar is a great player and we are really proud of him. I’m sure that if he’s nominated, he will devote some time to the parliament,” said BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Tendulkar had scored his eagerly awaited 100th international century in March. There had been demands from cricket fans across the country that Tendulkar, who turned 39 on Tuesday, should be conferred with Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.
Twitterati speak
Suhel Seth: The Government has insulted Sachin...who at age 39 has been invited to the House of Elders where almost everyone behaves like a kid...
Farhan Azmi: I’m happy when someone respectable and dignified joins politics.. Hopefully Sachin will ensure development of sports other than cricket too
Rohan Joshi: Nominating Sachin to the Rajya Sabha? SURELY there’s an easier way to get him to retire. SURELY
Tinseltown to Parliament
Rekha will join ranks of Bollywood actors who have been members of the upper house including Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini. Jaya Bachchan is currently in the upper house as a member of Samjawadi Party.
Film personalities who were nominated to the upper house in the past include Vyjayantimala, Nargis Dutt, Lata Mangeshkar and Sivaji Ganesan.u00a0
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