Gautam Gambhir hints at joining politics, likely to contest from BJP ticket

In an exclusive interview with Republic TV Editor-in-Chief, Arnab Goswami, retired cricketer Gautam Gambhir talked about many issues including the question of his entry in politics. He is one of the few cricketers who are very active on social media. There have been numerous instances when the former cricketer has attacked Arvind Kejriwal led Delhi government on misgovernance and prevailing issues like pollution.

When asked if he should begin a political career, Gautam Gambhir replied, “If people think that I’m good enough, and if I believe that I can make a change in this country, and if I feel that strongly and if I have the energy, I will definitely do something for the country to make it a better place. I will make sure that I do everything possible in my own capacity, and if you all (people of this country) believe that I should get into it (politics), I’ll definitely give it a thought.”

Although, Gautam Gambhir has not made any clear cut statement with respect to his entry into the politics, however, there have been media reports in the past suggesting that the BJP might field Gautam Gambhir in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. A  Sunday Guardian report claims that the BJP is likely to replace Meenakshi Lekhi with Gautam Gambhir in the New Delhi constituency. The party is not satisfied with Meenakshi Lekhi’s performance and, in sync with its “Perform or Perish” policy, wishes to give Gautam Gambhir a fair chance in 2019. The Sunday Guardian has quoted a BJP leader saying, “Reports from the ground about Meenakshi Lekhi are not good. People from her constituency are not happy with her work and the party leadership has decided that she will not be repeated this time as a candidate from New Delhi. Gautam Gambhir, in most likelihood, will be the party’s candidate from the same seat. He has wide acceptability and is known for his social work. He is a Delhiite and will do his best for the people of Delhi.” Gautam Gambhir had earlier campaigned for BJP candidate Arun Jaitley in Amritsar, back in 2014.

Gambhir enjoys huge fan following and is very influential. He is also engaged in social services.

Gautam Gambhir has been a vocal nationalist and supports the armed forces vociferously, something most celebrities refrain from doing. He also lambasted anti-nationals openly and often takes a clear stand on issues of national relevance. He supported the army after videos of Kashmiri stone-pelters beating Indian soldier went viral.

Apart from this, he had also extended financial aid to ailing boxer Dingko Singh and also asked others to support the Indian boxing champion and Asian Games gold medallist.

Cricket and Politics have had a very close connection. In the past, many cricketers have successfully donned the Khadi after sweating it out in stadiums. Navjot Singh Sidhu, Kirti Azad, and Mohammad Azharuddin are some popular cricketers turned politicians. It certainly seems Gautam Gambhir is going to be the next cricketer on this list.