New Delhi: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar will now play the new role of a parliamentarian with President Pratibha Patil on Thursday approving his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, along with that of renowned actor Rekha and businesswoman Anu Aga.
“The president has approved the nomination of Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha and Anu Aga to the Rajya Sabha,” Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson Archana Datta said.
The nomination of the three eminent personalities was approved by the President under rules that allow the nomination of 12 members to the Upper House.
The approval of Tendulkar’s nomination came on a day he met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence.
Tendulkar’s nomination to Rajya Sabha came as a surprise as many of his admirers have been wanting him to be given Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.
He is the first active cricketer to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha. (IANS)