Rajya Sabha Chairman gives clean chit to Tendulkar, Rekha over regular absence from Parliament

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari on Friday gave a clean chit to legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and former Bollywood actress Rekha over their regular absence from the Parliament. Ansari said there was no violation of constitutional provision, as they have not been absent for more than 60 days from house. Tendulkar, despite his God-like status in India, thanks to his exploits in cricketing fields, is yet to mark his attendance in Parliament this year. The 41-year-old was nominated as a member of Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Parliament) in 2012, but the legend could make only three appearances last year. Meanwhile, ex-IPL chief and Congress spokesperson Rajeev Shukla defended the absence of the two celebrities from the Parliament saying that they had not taken the facilities which are given to an MP as well. "Both of them haven't availed the facilities as well. Rekha is coming to the Parliament next week, Sachin will also come before the session ends. Prior to this, both of them have attended sessions," he said. Earlier, when asked about his indifferent performance in Parliament by a Zee Media correspondent, the former Indian captain chose not to answer and walked-away. Besides the batting maestro, the attendance of yesteryear`s screen siren Rekha also came to light. The 59-year-old actress has so far attended the parliamentary sitting only seven times. Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga were nominated to the 250-member Rajya Sabha in 2012. Their nomination was approved by by the then President Pratibha Patil under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. As a notable tradition, famous personalities from varied backgrounds are nominated into the Indian parliament for their contributions to the society. But their attendance often becomes a national issue as many don`t consider it important enough to make their presence in the floor of Parliament.