Sachin Tendulkar’s first speech in Rajya Sabha disrupted

What’s the story?

Sachin Tendulkar, retired cricket legend and now a Rajya Sabha member, was disrupted while delivering his first speech as the member of the upper house of the Indian Parliament today. While speaking, Tendulkar was put off by the opposition Member of Parliaments (MPs) who were shouting slogans regarding the 2G scam verdict.

Amid opposition protests, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar could not make his debut speech in upper house of the Parliament #ITVideoWatch more videos at https://t.co/NounxnP7mg pic.twitter.com/4hRH7EZ32S

— India Today (@IndiaToday) December 21, 2017

He (#SachinTendulkar) 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?: Jaya Bachchan, Rajya Sabha MP pic.twitter.com/NMRMHhdl5E

— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017

In case you didn’t know...

Tendulkar was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in April 2012, even before retiring from international cricket. But since then, he has often been criticized for maintaining a low attendance of only 8 percent. Along with him, veteran actor Rekha has also been blamed for being inactive as a Rajya Sabha member.

The main accused in the 2G scam case, including former telecom minister A Raja and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, were acquitted in a trial that had begun in 2011.

The heart of the matter

As per the Hindustan Times, Tendulkar was supposed to speak on the issue of “Right to play and the future of sports in India”. Also, he had submitted a notice in order to lead a Short Duration Discussion on the same.

Further mentioned by the Hindustan Times was the fact that BJP MP Ranvijay Singh Judev and Congress party’s PL Punia were supporting Tendulkar on the topic. Tendulkar was about to discuss the disappointing state of sports education as well as the facilities available for them in India.

What’s next?

As a result of the continued slogans shouted by the opposition, the House has been adjourned until 11 am tomorrow, 22nd December.

Author’s Take

This is not the first time that such an instance of the Rajya Sabha getting adjourned has taken place in the Parliament. The opposition MPs or leaders have often disrupted proceedings and stalled the House for long periods, something which is extremely unruly and unbecoming of them.