BCCI must ban cheerleaders during IPL matches: Shiv Sena

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The controversy over the cheerleaders during IPL matches gained momentum today with the BCCI being asked to ban the presence of scantily clad cheergirls as it had an adverse impact on spectators and was against Indian cultural ethos.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Mr Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena said when public performances by item girls and scantily clad Rakhi Sawant and Mallika Sherawat were not allowed, how were cheerleaders allowed. They had an adverse impact on the spectators which included children also, he added.

Moreover, in the US and Europe, cheergirls clubs had become centres of corruption, he claimed and said that India should not ''import'' such corrupt practices.

Stating that the BCCI's adamant attitude on the issue of cheerleaders was against sports, he demanded that Board President Sharad Pawar and the government ban them.

Mr Mahmood Ali Khan of the Congress demanded that the quota of haj pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh be increased in view of the Muslim population and they also be allowed to board the chartered flight from the old airport at Begamput and not the new one which was very far.

Mr Abu Asim Azmi of the Samajwadi Party pointed out that the rupee gaining strength had adversely impacted the export as Indian goods had become expensive in the international market and this had reduced the employment opportunities for the people. Instead of focusing on share market, the government must take steps to increase employment opportunities, he said.

Ms Jayanti Natrajan of the Congress highlighted the tragic death of four children in Tamil Nadu after measles vaccination and said that even though an inquiry was being conducted, the government should take steps to restore public confidence in vaccination. It could be done by providing emergency kits at primary health centres to tackle any emergency due to overdose and shock and also by proper training of staff to realise the emergency and take steps to prevent it.

Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan asked all the members to lay their special mentions in the house which included demand by Ms Sushma Swaraj of the BJP for the government to intervene into the matter of handing over of body parts of murdered British teenager Scarlett Keeling to her mother. Mr N R Govindarajar of the AIADMK demanded enhanced security for former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa while Mr Balbir Punj of the BJP said that the Prasar Bharati should not remain family dominated and profiles of all prominent national leaders be included into its proposed website.

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