Rekha makes appearance in Rajya Sabha

Under fire over her absence from the upper house, actor Rekha attended the Rajya Sabha for the first time during this session Tuesday.

Wearing a golden khadi silk sari, the film star was seen sitting next to social worker Anu Aga. Both are nominated members in the upper house.

The 59-year-old Bollywood veteran sat through the question hour and was seen talking with Aga. The two left the house shortly before it was adjourned for lunch.

Rekha's absence from the house, along with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar came under criticism last week.

Tendulkar made an application for leave Monday and was granted permission to be absent even as some members protested.

The ace sportsman's average attendance so far is three percent, as per PRS Legislative Research.

Rekha, before her appearance Tuesday, had only seven days attendance since she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2012, less than five percent. She had last attended the house Feb 19, 2014.

As per Article 104 of the constitution, if a member is absent from either house of parliament for a period of 60 days then the seat is considered vacant.

Congress leader Rajiv Shukla defended the actor and said: "Rekha has come earlier also. It is not that she has come for the first time".