My post#2 was not a rejoinder, Chandruji.
A good thing about nomination of high profile persons like Sachin Tendulkar and Rekha to the Rajya Sabha is that it will bring into focus the role and responsibilities of Presidential nominees to the Upper House of Parliament. Under article 80 of the Constitution, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is composed of not more than 250 members, of whom 12 are nominated by the President of India from amongst persons who have special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service. By adopting the principle of nomination in Rajya Sabha, the Constitution has ensured that the nation must also receive services of the most distinguished persons of the country who have earned distinction in their field of activity, many of whom may not like to face the rough and tumble of the election. In last 60 years, nearly 115 members have been nominated to the Council of States, who have been reputed scholars, jurists, educationists, historians, scientists, poets and litterateurs, engineers, economists, administrators, artistes and social workers of proven ability and outstanding merit.
Sachin is perhaps the first sports-person to be nominated in this category. Purpose of these nominations is not the felicitation of distinguished persons from various fields, as several other government awards like Padmas and Khel Ratna etc have already been constituted for the same. These awards are eagerly aspired by many, who also fiercely lobby for it. The main and the only objective of these nominations has been to provide space to distinguished persons from different fields in the country’s law-making process. The nominated members, who possess outstanding merit and distinction, in fact, add to the importance and dignity of Rajya Sabha. It is expected from them to make it truly a House bestowing calm consideration on measures of national importance.
The nominations obviously indicate the political preferences of the ruling party/coalition so as the political inclination of the nominated persons. It is heartening to know that Sachin, in a way, has distanced himself from parochial outfits like MNS and Shiv Sena by accepting the offer made by UPA government at the Centre. However, it is a common understanding that such personalities should not be active members of any political parties, and must rise above the political partisans in the House of the elders.
It is important to ensure nomination of non-partisan members to the Upper House, however, it is equally important to pin down their accountability with respect to their performance in the House. Unfortunately, many of the nominated members have dismally failed to take up issues of their respective fields in the Rajya Sabha. Few of them, for example Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshakar, have shown utter disrespect to the proceedings of the Upper House by remaining absent throughout most of their tenure. Hopefully, the God of Cricket will show similar passion and sincerity in the Rajya Sabha as he has demonstrated on the cricketing fields all over the world since 1989, and will at least bat for better sporting opportunities for India’s youth that constitutes more than 50% of country’s population.
https://bargad.org/2012/05/02/rules-and-roles-of-nominated-members-to-rajya-sabha/