Tendulkar accepts Rajya Sabha nomination

26 April 2012 04:47 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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New Delhi: Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has accepted the Rajya Sabha nomination proposed by the Congress, according to reports. He is the first active sportsperson and cricketer to have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

The Home Ministry had recommended four names including those of Tendulkar, Bollywood actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Agha for the Rajya Sabha. Reports say that Rekha and Agha have also accepted the nominations.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had written a letter to the Home Ministry on the issue. The Congress had offered to nominate Tendulkar under the President's quota.

The 39-year-old master blaster who has brought many a laurel to the country through his exploits in the game, and Rekha, known for her brilliant and emotional portrayals in Hindi cinema in the 80s, will become members of Parliament under a provision of the Constitution that allows the President to nominate 12 members to the Upper House.
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.

57-year-old Rekha was one of the top heroines of the 80s in Hindi films and had won several national awards in her acting career.

Tendulkar's nomination to Rajya Sabha came as a surprise against the backdrop of a long-standing demand for conferring of Bharat Ratna on him for his contribution to the game. He completed the historic achievement of scoring 100 international centuries in March this year.

Tendulkar along with his wife Anjali met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in New Delhi.

Although officially the Congress said that Sonia wanted to meet Tendulkar and personally congratulate him on achieving the historic achievement of scoring 100 international centuries, but sources say the main agenda was his nomination for the Rajya Sabha.

Reacting to the reports of Sachin Tendulkar's proposed nomination, BJP leader Najma Heptulla said, "We are very happy that Tendulkar's name has been proposed for the Rajya Sabha."

"Tendulkar is a great player, we are proud of him. If he is being nominated, surely he would devote some time to Parliament," BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

However, the proposal didn't go well with people from the cricket fraternity. Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle said, "I don't think it is the greatest idea. He doesn't have the experience of governing or doing social work. People are trying to gain mileage out of Tendulkar."

Meanwhile, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) welcomed the government's nomination of Tendulkar as a member of the Rajya Sabha, saying that the iconic batsman deserves such an honour.

BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Prof. Ratnakar Shetty said that the Board was happy with the government's move. "We (BCCI) are happy that Tendulkar's services as a sportsperson has been recognised. He's been a true ambassador for the country and he deserves it," he said.

In the past, eminent personalities like directors Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen and playback singer Lata Mangeshkar had been the nominated members of the Rajya Sabha. (Source: IBN Live)

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Comments - 28

Nodrog Friday, 27 April 2012 04:50 AM

Hope he will not start dreaming of Eelam.

JayanthaD Friday, 27 April 2012 05:40 PM

Sachin should not have accepted this offer and he could have continued as a sportsmen helping for the growth of cricket in grassroot leve and work for eradicating the corruption in sports.

this would have been a great service to the nation instead of politics

Rangan Friday, 27 April 2012 12:02 PM

What an idea to make him retire..

patriotic Friday, 27 April 2012 08:59 AM

end of another gentlemen cricketer, and the beginning of a idiotic politician.

Suranimala Friday, 27 April 2012 09:15 AM

Congratulations Great Master Sachin for all your achievements inducing this latest offer.Cricket lovers world-over respected you. From now onward there may be difference of opinions. Continue for few more years @ test level we enjoy every single inning of yours.Anyway best of luck;

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 27 April 2012 08:55 AM

Hope our man from South does not get any bright ideas now to demand something better than a Minister post. If that happens, "Katay Pas" for us.

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 27 April 2012 08:53 AM

Following the precedents set in Sri Lanka: now it would be easier for Tendulkar to demand and be included in the team as long as he wants. Anyway, next nomination for him : God.

vijay Friday, 27 April 2012 08:21 AM

SPORTSMEN SHOULD DEVELOP SPORTS IN THE FIELD HE IS AN EXPERT.

Tharuj Friday, 27 April 2012 08:08 AM

Clean bowled

Sinhala Baudda Friday, 27 April 2012 07:22 AM

All sportsmen who took up politics lost their great image in the society. I sincerely hope that politics is not for you. Probably congress party wanted you to help them to remain in power.

Maru Yaka Friday, 27 April 2012 05:43 AM

Sports & Politis should never mix!

Mason Friday, 27 April 2012 05:37 AM

Congratulations Sachin. Sincerely hope that you will not turn out to be an interfering type like the one we have in the south of our Country.
Good Luck and God Bless you and give you strength to do a honest job.

rakesp Friday, 27 April 2012 04:38 AM

BEST OF LUCK SACHIN !

Haraka Friday, 27 April 2012 04:43 AM

He does without publicity...which puts our cricketers to shame. Remember this is a nomination and not a request made by him or arranged by him.

RajasH Thursday, 26 April 2012 05:44 PM

that's the way to get it being invited rather than writing begging letters

neil john Friday, 27 April 2012 04:44 AM

Yes. So ball balls by Pakistan PM (Imran Khan) can be hit for a Six by Indian PM.

ASKAR Friday, 27 April 2012 04:22 AM

MAI BE HE IS NEXT INDIAN PRIME MINISTER .

Gemunu de Silva Friday, 27 April 2012 01:56 AM

There were cricketing giants in India before this. When Cricket was a Gentlemen's game before all the money & match fixing became common. Why was Sunil Gavarskar left out. He was a hero in Indian Cricket. Also Kapil Dev. Why were they not thought of by the Indian Govt.

Nodrog Friday, 27 April 2012 02:11 AM

Can't he work for the people without being a minister?

Black Mamba Friday, 27 April 2012 12:51 AM

I only hope this will not tarnish his good name and the fame he'd achieved in cricket. Good luck anyway, Sachin!

Shiran Friday, 27 April 2012 12:14 AM

India in Sri Lankan Foot Steps.
Other countries will follow soon, the Mahindha Chinthanaya.

Sudu Putha Friday, 27 April 2012 12:14 AM

Now only and MP. Then he will eventually be nominated as the sports minister. That is the long term plan. May be it is good for the sports body in India especially cricket. Who knows.

Ralahamy Thursday, 26 April 2012 07:56 PM

Influenced by Sri Lankan counterparts??

Gamini Udagepola Thursday, 26 April 2012 07:19 PM

100 Centuries weren’t enough for Tendulkar to retire from the game at 39, hope this Rjaya-Sabha thing gives him some satisfaction, in two different ways though..

ULM ali Thursday, 26 April 2012 06:53 PM

Wonderful, finding other business, how many years are you going to play in politics?.

Jawfer Thursday, 26 April 2012 06:18 PM

You are deserve for that

Herby Paadmaperuma. Thursday, 26 April 2012 06:26 PM

I am sure great Tehndulkar, is jealous that our own Master Blaster Jayasooriya is an MP. In recognistion of the yeomen servic Jayasooriya is doing for the People day and night both in the Parliament and outside , disregarding his income, perks health,etc he has solicited a Minsteraisl psotionvery rightly, although it is a shameful act to beg for such. My fear is will rthe Rajyasabcaha Member Tendulkar, follow the example of Sanath J.j .

kondebendapucheena Thursday, 26 April 2012 05:44 PM

what next may be President

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Tendulkar accepts Rajya Sabha nomination

Comments - 28

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