New Delhi: Amid ongoing discussion over the continuous absence of Sachin Tendulkar and Rakha from the Rajya Sabha, Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju on Saturday morning said that awarding Bharat Ratna to the famous cricket and nomination the Bollywood actress to the Parliament was a 'disgrace for the country'.
"Awarding Bharat Ratna to Tendulkar and making Rekha an MP was a disgrace to our country. Bharat Ratna should have been awarded to Subramania Bharati, Dr. Kotnis & Mirza Ghalib posthumously," Katju said in a tweet.
Both the members were nominated to the Rajya Sabha in April 2012. While Tendulkar has attended just three sittings so far, Rekha has been present at seven.
Both the Parliamentarians are facing flak from several quarters for skipping the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha with their colleagues saying the absenteeism was ‘unacceptable'.
As per the rules (Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business), if a member is absent from meetings of either House of Parliament without permission for a period of 60 days, the House may declare his/her seat vacant.
According to PJ Kurien, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, both the members have not been absent for more than 60 days and, therefore, have not violated any rule.
