A visit by actor Aamir Khan to Parliament Wednesday saw a rare show of solidarity by MPs from ruling and opposition parties despite the standoff on the 2G spectrum issue as they joined him in raising awareness on malnutrition among infants.
"I am happy that all political parties are united on this basic issue and hopeful that they will remain so," Khan said after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Flanked by BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain, Congress MP Sachin Pilot and others, Khan addressed the media announcing his support to the cause.
"I hope all the MPs will remain together
on the issue of checking malnutrition," the actor said.
The 45-year-old superstar, accompanied by lyricist Prasoon Joshi, also met Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The MPs and staff members were equally excited at Khan's visit and security personnel had a tough time controlling his admirers as they jostled to shake hands with the actor who was visiting Parliament for the first time.
Khan said the campaign for promoting mother's milk for babies is bigger than even the 'Incredible India' campaign that he was doing.
He said that most of the medical problems of infants are due to the fact that they do not get mother's milk soon after birth. "There is a need to spread awareness on how necessary mother's milk is for babies," the actor said.
He said that MPs of various political parties, who have started the "Alliance Against Malnutrition", had approached him earlier.
"I and Prasun joined their campaign Wednesday. The Prime Minister has also welcomed our support," Khan said.
The superstar said it was his maiden visit to
Parliament and he felt "very proud" to be here.
Joshi said he would pen a song on the theme "pehla doodh amrit (First milk is nectar)" to increase awareness on the issue.
BJD MP Baijyant Panda, who is part of the group of young MPs promoting the campaign, said around 100 MPs are already members and 25 others joined it Wednesday.