The government on Thursday brought the Little Master into
Rajya Sabha, nominating him along with actor Rekha and social
activist-businesswoman Anu Aga. The nomination came minutes after Tendulkar and
wife Anjali met
.By Thursday evening,
the President had approved the nominations of Tendulkar, Aga and Rekha, on the
Prime Minister’s recommendations.
The President can nominate 12 Rajya Sabha members who excel
in the fields of literature, science, art, social service etc.
Tendulkar is the second sportsperson in the House after
former hockey captain Dilip Tirkey was sworn in earlier this week. Rekha will
find a familiar face in colleague Jaya Bachchan.
"Tendulkar is a great player, we are proud of him. If
he is being nominated, surely he will devote some time to Parliament," BJP
spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
CPM general secretary Prakash Karat shared the view, saying
the "government should nominate people like Sachin Tendulkar and other
eminent persons from different walks of life".
Reports of his nomination are likely to spark another round
of speculation about his immediate future, though Tendulkar has made clear he
has no plans to retire. On completing his ton of tons, he had even hinted at
playing the next world cup in 2015.
Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and has
played more Tests (188) and ODIs (463) than any other player.