The Centre nominating Master Blaster to the Rajya Sabha has resulted in interesting debates across the country. Did the Congress take this decision to divert the attention of the opposition parties and public from the series of scams and allegations that the UPA is facing? Will the batting legend apparently become an extra player in the Indian Congress Political League (ICPL)? Yes, say many political observers and parties in the country.

These arguments became stronger when  the Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam has said he would welcome Sachin Tendulkar in case the latter wishes to join the party. Many political observers are also of the opinion that the Congress party is looking forward to using the batting icon as a puppet in the political game only for defending itself from several issues.

The parties that leveled allegations that MP seat was offered only to divert the attention include BJP and Shivsena.  BJP MP Kirti Azad has said that Sachin was active in cricket and how would he contribute his time for Rajya Sabha. Nonetheless, MP Sanjay Nirupam urged the political parties not to make the offer of MP seat a political issue. Meanwhile, CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta has said that Saurav Ganguly should also receive the same honour as Sachin Tendulkar.

If MP Sanjay really didn’t want the parties to look at nomination Sachin for the Upper House as a political move, he should have not made any statement that would link Master Blaster to the political party. However, Sanjay said he would welcome if Sachin enters the Congress. All these moves are sending across signs that Congress wants Sachin Tendulkar in its league. (inputs from Andhra Jyothy newspaper) (Phani)