Siddharth Nath Singh expresses disappointment over Tendulkar's absenteeism

Senior BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh expressed his disappointment over veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar's prolonged absence from the Rajya Sabha here on Saturday.

Siddharth Nath Singh told ANI, "When icons of India like Sachin Tendulkar are nominated to Rajya Sabha, there is an expectation that the way they have delivered and made India proud, they will do the same when they enter the parliament."

"So, on the basis of that belief it is equally important that they should be attending the Parliament and contributing in building India a better place and lead through the example of contributing that the Indian democracy becomes more vibrant," he added.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi however, defended the legendary sportsman by saying that the topic of Sachin Tendulkar now needs to shut down as an explanation has been already given by him.

Alvi told ANI, "Sachin is country's pride. He has made our nation famous worldwide and represents the sports ground in Rajya Sabha. It is his will as to how many times he wants to come to the Rajya Sabha. But definitely he should come more often and at least keep the problems of his sports forward."

"But when he has given the explanation that his brother was not keeping well then this chapter should be closed," Alvi added.

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar cited a medical emergency as the reason for his absence from Parliament, at a felicitation ceremony for the winners of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at the Vigyan Bhavan.

Speaking to ANI, Sachin said, "My elder brother had to go through a bypass surgery and I had to be by his side. Due to this emergency, I was unable to be present in parliament."

Acknowledging that his absence has been discussed quite a bit, he stated that he did not wish to disrespect the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier too, Sachin Tendulkar had been heavily criticized by his fellow MPs after it emerged that the Bharat Ratna awardee is yet to attend a single session in parliament this year.