Tennis icon Leander Paes has expressed his commitment to enhancing youth development and sports growth in India after his recent affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just before the West Bengal elections. Paes, renowned for his Grand Slam doubles victories and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games bronze medal, extended gratitude to Nitin Nabin, the BJP’s national president, for his support.
In a social media post, Paes acknowledged Nitin Nabin’s role in his decision to join the BJP, emphasizing his dedication to youth development and sports advancement in the nation. The tennis star officially became a member of the BJP in New Delhi, following discussions with state BJP leader Nitin Nabin in Kolkata, sparking political speculation.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed Paes into the BJP, highlighting the tennis legend’s illustrious career and his historic entry into the party. Rijiju praised Paes for recognizing Prime Minister Modi’s contributions to sports and athletes, underscoring the significance of Paes’ BJP membership.
Paes, a prominent figure in Indian tennis with numerous Grand Slam triumphs, had previously associated with the All India Trinamool Congress in 2021. Despite campaigning for the party in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections, he did not participate as a candidate. His transition to the BJP aligns with the escalating political activities in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, primarily contested between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the BJP.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the results to be announced on May 4. The electoral landscape in the state is poised for a closely watched showdown, encompassing all 294 constituencies.
