Shiv Sena: Sachin Tendulkar must snub govt events

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has now dragged cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar into its political tussle with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reacting to reports that Mr Tendulkar’s first coach Ramakant Achrekar was not given a state funeral, the Shiv Sena has asked him to boycott government programmes in the future. Achrekar passed away at the age of 87 years in Dadar on Wednesday.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said in a tweet, “Why wasn’t Padma Shri and Dronacharya awardee Ramakant Achrekar given a state funeral and respect by the Maharashtra government? The government has shown complete disregard towards Ramakant Achrekar. Sachin should boycott government programmes henceforth.”  

The party wrote an obituary for Achrekar in the party mouthpiece Saama-na, stating that he was an institution unto himself for nurturing great cricketers. These cricketers are shining in the international arena. “He was in a true sense a Bhishma Pitamah and Dronac-harya for cricketers,” it read.

The editorial further said a minister said that there was a communication gap at the state level. “This issue is painful. While Achrekar’s deeds and contribution will never be forgotten, this reveals the lackadaisical attitude of the government,” it read.

Housing minister Prakash Mehta, who represented the state government at the funeral of the celebrated cricket coach, said Achrekar not being given a state funeral was “sad and unfortunate”.  

Cricket buffs were quick to express discontent over the matter, saying that the state government should have been as proactive as it was while giving a state funeral to the late Bollywood actress Sridevi and former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar.

The eminent coach was cremated at the Shivaji Park crematorium on Thursday.