New Delhi, Apr 27: Master-Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's foray into the political world has been received with great applause from various political circles after President Pratibha Patil approved the cricketer's nomination to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. [UPDATE: After Sachin, Ganguly also to be nominated for Rajya Sabha?]

"Sachin is a great player and we are proud of him. If Sachin is being nominated, surely he would devote some time to Parliament," said Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP spokesperson.

"I am happy for Sachin. Last time when I spoke to the media on his birthday, I had said that I hope that government nominates him for Rajya Sabha. There is no one better than Sachin. I am happy," said Najma Heptullah, BJP leader.

"It will be nice if Sachin comes to Parliament," said Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary.

"I am shocked. It needs to be seen if he can take out time. Expect him to bring some change," said Sanjay Manjrekar, ex-cricketer in an interview with the CNN-IBN.

"I will be disappointed if Sachin joins a political party," said senior journalist and Rajya Sabha MP HK Dua.

This is the second time that any sportsperson has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Earlier, hockey player Dilip Tirkey took his oath as Rajya Sabha member.

OneIndia News