NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar scored a golden duck in the Rajya Sabha. His first speech in the Upper House of Parliament was washed out almost instantly in the uproar between the more political members. In a way, this could be seen as Sachin’s seventh golden duck, and the first off the cricket field, Zee News has reported.
Sachin’s stood up to speak in the Rajya Sabha for the first time after five years as an MP. He had been allotted time to speak on multiple issues relating the future of sports and sportspersons in India.
Wearing his own take on the modern political uniform – white shirt with a ‘Nehru jacket’ – Tendulkar forced to play non-striker for 10 minutes.
Congress MPs caused a furore in the House over comments made against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the heated campaign for the just-concluded Gujarat elections.
Sachin waited. Then waited some more. But the screaming Congress MPs were in no mood to let him begin.
“It is an issue of the sports… very important issue. That too, raised by the honourable member, who was awarded Bharat Ratna. Have respect, have respect to the institution also. Please listen to him,” said Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu, pointing out that this was Sachin’s maiden speech.
But none of the Congress MPs were in a mood to listen.
After about 10 minutes of the sloganeering, Naidu adjourned the House for the day.
“He has earned name for India at the world stage. It is a matter of shame that he was not allowed to speak, even when everyone knew it was on today’s agenda. Are only politicians allowed to speak?” said filmstar-turned-MP Jaya Bachchan after the House was adjourned.