Sachin, Rekha being targeted for low attendance because of their celebrity status: Congress

Congress leader Rajiv Shukla today said the issue of low attendance of Sachin Tendulkar and Rekha in the House was being raised because they are celebrities.

"There are many members who do not come to the House but the issue of their absence is not being raised. Reason being, they are not celebrities. These two are celebrities, that is why people are raising the issue," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament.

Earlier, SP leader Naresh Agarwal had raised questions over the low attendance of nominated members of Rajya Sabha, like cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood actress Rekha, in the House.

"I am not defending them but at the same time they cannot be forced to attend," Shukla said, adding that many members, including Agarwal, were not present yesterday during the voting on Finance Bill.