AFP/Mumbai
Sachin Tendulkar’s nomination to parliament was met with widespread bemusement yesterday, with many questioning whether the publicly apolitical batting superstar will have the time or inclination to serve as an MP.
President Pratibha Patil approved the government’s nomination of Tendulkar late Thursday, offering him one of the 12 seats in the Rajya Sabha, or upper house, that are reserved for presidential appointees.
He is the first active sportsman to receive the honour.
But while a number of sitting MPs welcomed the celebrity starpower Tendulkar could bring to their affairs, the reaction of media commentators and some of the ‘Little Master’s’ fellow cricketers was one of puzzled caution.
“Frankly, I am at a loss for words,” said former Mumbai and India team-mate Sanjay Manjrekar. “I never realised these sort of things interested him.
“He is not one to express his views publicly and this would be a real test for him. I hope he can make a difference in parliament.”
Tendulkar, who turned 39 on Tuesday, has played more Tests (188) and one-day internationals (463) than any other player since his debut in 1989.
Despite recent speculation about his retirement, Tendulkar has given no indication that he plans to hang up his pads, leading some to question how he could fit an MP’s duties into his hectic playing schedule.
“He plays almost right through the year, where is the time to go to parliament?” said another ex-international Akash Chopra.
“I will be disappointed if he did not contribute and make a mark for himself in the Rajya Sabha.”
Noted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle suggested the nomination was a cynical ploy to gain “political mileage” out of Tendulkar, who has rarely, if ever, spoken out on political issues or professed any party affiliation.
“I don’t think it is the greatest idea,” said Bhogle. “He does not have the experience of governing or doing social work.”
Tendulkar has not yet commented to indicate whether he will accept the honour.
But news of the nomination broke just hours after he and his wife called on ruling Congress party president Sonia Gandhi at her residence in New Delhi.
“My only fear is that the stamp of a political party should not come on him,” said Chetan Chauhan, a former India opener who forged a career as an MP.
“The minute he associates himself with a party, the public’s perception about him will change,” Chauhan was quoted as saying by the Mid-Day daily.
A snap online poll in the Hindustan Times revealed 68% of respondents did not want to see Tendulkar in parliament.
An editorial on the Times of India labelled Tendulkar’s nomination a populist move that made “little sense”.
Pointing out that that Tendulkar’s cricketing duties kept him on the road for 216 days last season, the Times said nominating an active sportsman “defeats the purpose” of choosing eminent people who can enrich parliamentary debate.
“His new role will force Sachin to choose between his duty to the team and his job as a parliamentarian. It’s an unfair choice,” it said.
Bollywood cheers Rekha’s appointment
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt expressed his happiness at Bollywood diva Rekha’s nomination to Rajya Sabha. “I am happy that Rekha has made it to the privileged group of Rajya Sabha members. It is going to be a long journey for her,” Bhatt said. “It is no ordinary achievement for her. I am more happy because she belongs to our fraternity and they felt her worthy enough to be nominated,” he added. Rekha, who has given some brilliant performances in films like Khubsoorat, Silsila, Umrao Jaan and Zubeidaa, will join the likes of lyricist Javed Akhtar and actress Jaya Bachchan as the member of the Upper House. Actress Juhi Chawla said, “I wish her all the best. If good people are nominated for good positions, then they will do good work. This will also lead to growth so I wish her all the best. Director Sujoy Ghosh too lauded her nomination.
