New Delhi, December 21: The Rajya Sabha was abruptly adjourned for the day after Congress leaders raised a ruckus and did not allow cricket legend and nominated Member of Parliament Sachin Tendulkar to speak in the House.
Tendulkar, in his maiden speech on the floor of the Upper House on Thursday, had moved a Short Discussion Motion on the future of sports in India and right to play. He was expected to address some long pending issues including coverage of Central Health Guarantee Scheme (CGHS) for international medal winners and incorporation of sports in school curriculum.
However, House proceedings were once again disrupted by protesting Congress members, much as it has been since the Parliament convened for the Winter session last Friday. No sooner did Tendulkar stand up to begin the discussion, Congress MPs also jumped to their feet, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologize for insinuating that his predecessor Manmohan Singh is colluding with Pakistan.
Tendulkar, a Bharat Ratna winner, remained standing for 10 minutes, tight-lipped, as Opposition members raised slogans.