Gautam Gambhir begins BJP innings, may pad up from New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir joined BJP on Friday in the presence of Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad, escalating speculation that he could contest the

Lok Sabha

polls from New Delhi seat, replacing sitting MP Meenakshi Lekhi.


The combative former opening batsman played a key role in India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup. He is particularly remembered for his fiery run-ins with Pakistani players on the

cricket

field. He was recently conferred the Padma Shri award.

While joining BJP, Gambhir (37) said he was inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi and would work for the country’s welfare as a member of BJP. “I am joining this party influenced by our prime minister, his vision. I have done whatever I could in cricket, and this is a fabulous platform for me to do something really good for this country and take this party forward and make this country a better place to live,” Gambhir said.

He pledged to serve the country with the right intent and honesty. “I hope through this I can make some meaningful difference to the lives of my people,” he added.

Jaitley, who described Gambhir’s joining as an “important induction” into BJP, said the party would decide whether to field him in the LS polls at an appropriate time.

Jaitley noted that Gambhir grew up and studied in Delhi, highlighting his link with the city. “The party has expanded a lot in the past few decades and our speciality is being a cadre-based mass party where we also induct people who have achieved excellence in various fields. We wish to utilise Gambhir’s talent and believe the party will benefit from his presence," Jaitley said.

The left-handed batsman also met BJP chief Amit Shah.