MPs queue up for Sachin's autograph

Charm continues

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who attended Rajya Sabha for the first time during the current Winter Session of Parliament on Friday, was the cynosure of all eyes.

Members queued up to congratulate Tendulkar, who retired recently, and some of them sought his autograph.

Clad in a check-shirt and a black pullover, Tendulkar walked in from Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari’s chamber shortly before the House was called to order.

Soon after the House paid homage to the martyrs of the dastardly attack of Parliament House 12 years ago, the chairman said it was a “matter of great pride that the government has decided to confer Bharat Ratna on Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, a nominated member of the House and an outstanding cricketer.”

He extended congratulations to Tendulkar on his own behalf and on behalf of the House.
Members thumped desks to congratulate Tendulkar, who stood up to acknowledge their greetings with folded hands.

When the House was adjourned, members queued up to congratulate him with some seeking his autograph.

Tendulkar greeted each one of them with a smile and a warm handshake. While Mani Shankar Aiyar asked him to scribble a message for him another nominated member Anu Aga took his autograph.

Tendulkar, who last came to Parliament in August during the Monsoon Session, stayed in the House for a brief while after the House was adjourned amid din over various issues.