Gambhir pads up for BJP now

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 22

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir today joined the BJP, calling himself an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gambhir said, “I have been influenced by the PM, his vision for the country.” He has close to nine million followers on Twitter.

Though he left it to the BJP to decide whether to field him as a candidate in the LS poll, the top-order batsman from Delhi can certainly provide the party a definite oomph in its election campaign in the cricket crazy country.

“I am honoured to get an opportunity to join this platform (BJP),” Gambhir said as Union Minister Arun Jaitey read out his achievements, including his views on nationalism and national security contributions for welfare of the poor—BJP’s poll planks for 2019.

Gambhir played a key role in India’s win in the 2011 one-day World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup. He was recently awarded the Padma Shri. The PM had written a congratulatory note to Gambhir in December 2018, praising him for his inclination for public life, achievements and stellar career.

Besides appreciating his contribution as a sportsman, the PM also praised him for his nationalistic stance and community service. “The firmness and frankness with which you have spoken about issues, especially relating to India’s unity and integrity, have endeared you to people across the spectrum,” he said.

Gambhir is likely to be fielded from Delhi.

Jaitley said he had been a part of the national capital for long, going to school and college here and representing it in domestic arena.