Congress MPs demand Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar

NEW DELHI - After his outstanding performance in South Africa, Congress MPs on Monday demanded that Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar should be bestowed with the Bharat Ratna.

Talking to media on the sidelines of Congress plenary session at Burari in northwest Delhi, Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said that Sachin Tendulkar should be bestowed with the Bharat Ratna after hitting his 50th Test century.

Shukla said he would urge the government to consider it.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi said Sachin should be given the highest civilian award. He is a jewel for the country.

“Whenever anybody in this country thinks of, speaks of Sachin, the blood surges faster in our veins. We all wish that there were more unifying icons like that in this country. Awards like A or B are matters for others to decide but there can be no doubt that he is a ‘ratna’ (jewel) in the heart of every Bharatiya,” he added.

Tendulkar completed his ton of 197 balls on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa at Super Sport Park in Centurion. The master blaster took a single off Dale Steyn to achieve the historic milestone.

He has made 1,532 runs in thirteen Tests this year at an amazing average of over 85 runs per innings.

In 2010, Tendulkar has scored seven centuries and five fifties with one more match to play against South Africa, starting on December 26.

Tendulkar has till now scored over 14,500 runs that includes 50 centuries and 59 half-centuries. (ANI)