Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, in a surprise move, cricketer and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir on Saturday requested party president J P Nadda to “relieve” him of political duties so that he can focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.
The MP representing East Delhi also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for giving him an opportunity to serve the people.
“I have requested Hon’ble party president J P Nadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir said on X.
The move by Gambhir came amid buzz in the BJP circles about him being possibly replaced in the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are scheduled in April-May this year.
The BJP has not yet disclosed its candidate selection for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi. Speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of several individuals, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, general secretary Harsh Malhotra, and state treasurer Vishnu Mittal for the East Delhi seat.
Sources close to Gambhir indicated his readiness to contest from the East Delhi constituency once again. However, the rationale behind his unexpected decision remains unclear.
The BJP has yet to announce tickets for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi. Names of several probables, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, general secretary Harsh Malhotra and state treasurer Vishnu Mittal are making the rounds as contenders for the East Delhi seat.
Hours before his sudden move, Gambhir shared on X a picture of the receipt for his donation to the BJP as his contribution to PM Modi’s vision of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and urged all to join the drive.
In the 2020 Assembly elections and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections in 2022, Gambhir helped BJP clinch the seat.
In the 2020 Assembly polls, the BJP secured victory in eight seats, including three—Gandhi Nagar, Vishwas Nagar, and Laxmi Nagar—that fall within the purview of the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Additionally, the party clinched victory in 21 out of 36 wards in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls, marking the highest tally among the seven parliamentary constituencies in the city.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP leaders have characterized Gambhir as a “reluctant” politician, suggesting that he did not fully immerse himself in party affairs. According to a senior Delhi BJP official, Gambhir often missed party events, meetings, and significant functions, leading to the impression that cricket remained his primary focus, reports PTI.
Additionally, tensions reportedly arose between Gambhir and Gandhi Nagar MLA Anil Bajpai over various matters. The official further claimed that Gambhir’s relationships with other leaders within his constituency were strained, indicating a less than harmonious dynamic.