Tongues had been wagging ever since cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Leaving behind the ton of tons, our very own Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is all set to play his new innings as an MP.
The God will soon swap his jersey with starched white clothes and we will soon be seeing him walking straight into the Rajya Sabha.
This is the first time we will be witnessing an active player enter the Upper House. It is needless to say that among the ‘Aam Aadmi’, the move by Sachin to join ‘politics’ has been welcomed by almost everyone. In a country where cricket is a religion, and Sachin its God, the reaction is pretty much obvious.
Being a commoner, I didn’t really care as to what was going on in the Rajya Sabha, apart from the hyped up Lokpal Bill debates, reservation discussions, MPs slinging muck at each other on various scams etc. But, ever since the God’s nomination, I have found that there is an anxiety among Indians abou
t the affairs of Parliament’s Upper House. I thank Sachin for this. Never before have I seen such a positive reaction.
But, on the flip side, the decision has not gone down well with some.
There are questions that have been hogging a few minds, like how will the ‘Master Blaster’, who has brought many laurels to the country, make a meaningful contribution to the Rajya Sabha? Should an active sportsperson like him be nominated? Does he deserve it? Is his entry in the political arena an indication of his imminent retirement?
To those who have raised eyebrows on Sachin’s nomination, I would like to ask a simple question: why do we have to criticise him whenever he does something? Is it because we love him so much or do we envy him?
It has been made very clear by almost everyone as to what is ‘expected’ from Sachin Tendulkar once he sits in the Rajya Sabha. People might say that he is a man who doesn’t speak his mind on issues other than cricket, but, don’t forget it was he who roared against the Shiv Sena and said that “Maharashtra belongs to every Indian not just to Maharashtrians”.
He might not have till now in his career promoted a very big cause that is of benefit to the nation, but, if at such a young age he has been chosen for such a dignified post, then it reflects that yes we have faith in his squeaky-clean reputation.
It is utter foolishness to presume that the minute he associates himself with a party, his image will come under the scanner. Let’s just leave him alone as he knows what his duties are. Although Sachin has six months in his kitty to choose a party, but since he is a national hero, all eyes are on him.
In the end, I would only say that being a big fan of his, I have full faith in him. He who has inspired generations and united millions through his game will surely prove himself as a good politician. He is a middle class men’s hero. I am sure his dedication and sincerity will be reflected in his political career as well. And let’s just hope that the ‘legend’ can at least bring some of his Midas touch to India’s politics too.
I wish you all the best Little Master. Keeping my fingers crossed.
(The views expressed by the author are personal)