By Hindustan Times
Sachin Tendulkar taking his oath as a Rajya Sabha (RS) Member of Parliament last Monday could have been a quiet affair, but there has been a lot of noise about him turning down the federal government accommodation in Delhi.
The cricketer was offered a five-bedroom colonial bungalow at the side of 24-hour security as a part of the perks of being an MP. He was quoted saying, “I’m not involved in blocking a central authority bungalow because this will be a waste of tax payers’ money as I reside in Mumbai. It'd be better if the bungalow is allotted to someone who needs it greater than me.”
Javed Akhtar and Jaya Bachchan, both sitting members in RS, have a home within the capital, while Rekha’s Delhi address (she was sworn in a couple of days before Sachin) isn't yet updated at the RS website.
When we asked Javed Akhtar if other MPs should emulate Sachin’s gesture, he was livid. “What’s your problem or anybody’s problem? It’s a pure waste of time to discuss it. It’s a non-issue. There are such a lot of serious problems in India and that is the problem that concerns you?”
Other celebrity Rajya Sabha MPs within the recent past have included director Shyam Benegal, actors Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi, singer Lata Mangeshkar, and journalist Khushwant Singh.
Vox pop
Anupam Kher, author and actor
“It’s a private gesture of goodness. It speaks highly of Sachin and have to be applauded. On the same time, it’s a perk given to all Rajya Sabha MPs, and so they have every right to maintain the federal government quarters.
Just because Sachin has turned it down doesn’t mean others want to emulate it. Everyone can’t stay in a hotel. Maybe he can afford it. It’s a financial thing. If I become an MP tomorrow, I CAN keep my quarters.”
Prahlad Kakkar, ad-film director
“Do you're thinking that our parliamentarians have sensitive skin, that they're going to have a look at Sachin and say, ‘Wow, our blue-eyed boy, the son of India has set an example, so we all should tighten our belts and do it for the country?’ Could also be our celebrity MPs could do it, but I doubt they will.
By doing this, Sachin has answered his detractors who were wondering what he would do within the Parliament. The primary issue he has stated is saving the country’s money, however little it can be. Though he prefers to bypass controversy, if he must debate on issues that concern the country, he won’t avoid it. When he sits to talk, people will listen.”
Dibakar Banerjee, film director
“The man is following his conscience. Other will not do it to achieve popularity, because Sachin didn't do it for eyeballs. He doesn't need it. Every child within the country knows his name.”
Asha Bhonsle, singer
“I think it’s a fair thing. Sachin believes in quietly doing his work. That is this kind of small thing that anybody will have done it earlier, but he considered it. I BELIEVE in the event that they can afford to, other MPs also needs to emulate him.”
Tweets
Shekhar Kapur @shekharkapur
Well done Sachin for setting terrific example by refusing bungalow in Delhi.R other rich MP's listening? (sic)
Sucheta Dalal @suchetadalal
Thank god @sachin rt had good sense 2 reject accomodan in delhi. Dubious Cong wantd 2 cash-in by puting him nxt 2 prince Rahul! Disgustng! (sic)
Akhilesh Mishra @amishra77
Had Sachin accepted bunglow in Delhi, Rahul G would frequently drop in as neighbour.Images played multiple times on NDTV. That was the plan! (sic)
Gopinath Mavinkurve @gopinathm3der
Exemplary message to GOI by Sachin Tendulkar; ‘Dont waste taxpayers money’ (sic)
