Continuous absence of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood actress Rekha in the Rajya Sabha came under scrutiny with members of parliament raising the larger question whether such celebrities should be allowed to continue as members of the prestigious Upper House as they hardly make any contribution.
The two celebrities – Sachin and Rekha — were nominated amid drumbeats by the of Congress-led UPA government in April 2012 but the duo have so far attended the sittings of Rajya Sabha for only 3 and 7 days respectively.
Raising the issue of long-duration absence of celebrities, P Rajeeve of CPM wanted to know whether they have sought permission for it and should action be taken against them by getting their seat vacated and given to some other deserving person.
Ironically, the two have been seen in various forums, endorsing products and attending functions and events when the parliament was in session and serious issues related to their respective fields were taken up.
The duo came under attack by other parliamentarians too. Bollywood lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar said, "Membership of Parliament is not a trophy, Sachin should come to parliament."
Agreeing that both Sachin and Rekha have not taken a single MP privilege, Rajeev Shukla said, "They should attend parliament more frequently."
"I think Sachin should attend parliament. When he was playing cricket, he never missed a practice, so now that he has retired, so should come," the BJP's Kirti Azad said.
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 and can be given to some other person.
Noting that Sachin Tendulkar has not attended the parliament for 40 days whereas Rekha's absence is about 36 days, deputy chairman PJ Kurien said though Rajeev and some other members have raised the issue but there was no violation. "Both the members have not violated Constitutional provisions so far," said the deputy chairman. Last time Sachin Tendulkar had come to the house on December 13, 2013," he added.
About Rekha, he said she had joined in April 2012 and has attended the session for seven days. "Last time she attended the House on February 19, 2014."
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