Sachin Tendulkar gets long leave from House

New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar came under attack from several quarters over his prolonged absence from the Rajya Sabha. MPs cutting across party lines  termed his long absence as “disrespect to House and nation” and demanded an explanation from him.

The outburst came after Tendulkar on Monday sought to control damage by applying for leave for the entire Budget Session, which was granted amid strong opposition from members.

The issue cropped up soon after question hour as soon as deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien sought permission of the House for grant of leave to Sachin.

Mr Kurien said that Sachin has sent a leave application expressing inability to attend the 232nd session (current session) of Rajya Sabha on account of “professional and personal commitments and family exigencies.”

Objecting to the sanction of leave to the cricket icon, Naresh Agarwal of SP said, “Sachin Tendulkar had come to Delhi to att-end a function at Vigyan Bhavan near Parliament but did not come to the House. Members’ views are unanimous that he has no respect for the House. Sachin should give an explanation why he did not come to the House. Tell me under which rule I cannot object to it.

Please bring my objection to record.” Sachin was at a programme in Vigyan Bhavan, barely a few kilometres from Parliament, on August 8 where he said he could not attend the House because his elder brother had to undergo heart surgery.