Parliament grants leave of absence to Tendulkar

Agencies/New Delhi

India’s parliament yesterday granted cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar a leave of absence after he was criticised for failing to attend a single session this year.

The former batsman had asked to be given leave from the House, citing work and family pressures, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

Tendulkar, revered by Indians as a cricketing god, promised to be a vocal supporter of sport when he was sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, in June 2012.

But parliamentary records show he has the worst attendance record of all members, with just 3% attendance last year and zero this year.

The leave covers only the current session of parliament, which started on July 7 and will end on Thursday.

His poor showing was criticised last week in the House and yesterday some lawmakers objected to his request for leave.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said Tendulkar had sought permission to be absent from the House citing “personal and professional commitments” and “family exigencies.”

It is a regular practice to take up leave applications from members and permission is generally granted by members without any objection.

However, as Kurien read out the application from Tendulkar, some members raised objections.

“Members’ views are unanimous that he has no respect for the House,” said Naresh Agarwal, a Samajwadi Party MP.

“He came to Delhi, went to Vigyan Bhawan but did not come to the House. If someone comes to Delhi and does not attend the House, it means the person does not respect the House,” Agarwal said.

“Sachin needs to explain why he did not come to the House when he was in Delhi,” he added.

Kurien, however, said the members were not supposed to discuss applications seeking leave.

“So many members are absent for various reasons, it is for the chair to inquire why they were absent. It is not for members to enquire why a certain member is not coming,” said Kurien.

Veteran Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi said a “wrong precedent” was being set and that “no one should be allowed to remain absent like this.”

“This is not acceptable,” he said.

Tendulkar, explaining his absence from the Rajya Sabha, last week said it was his brother’s ill health that has kept him away.

“My elder brother underwent bypass surgery and I had to be by his side, no disrespect to any institution,” explained Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, 41, the highest run-scorer in both forms of the game, retired after playing in 200 Tests and scoring 15,921 runs.

He was offered one of the 12 seats in the upper house reserved for those who have distinguished themselves in various fields such as the arts, sciences or social services.

Bollywood actress Rekha, also a nominated member, has less than 5% attendance.