New Delhi: The BJP in all likelihood will field former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir as a candidate from the prestigious New Delhi constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. If Gambhir does contest the polls, he will follow the footsteps of Mohammed Kaif, Mohammed Azharuddin, Kirti Azad and Navjyot Singh Sidhu who as cricketers have already donned political hats.
Gambhir, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, is known for his strong comments on the social media platforms. He talks on all issues, more so on politics than anything else. The 37-year-old had also campaigned for Union Minister Arun Jaitley in the 2014 elections. His close proximity to other BJP leaders also makes him a prime choice for the New Delhi constituency.
In 2014, BJP nominee, Meenakshi Lekhi had won the New Delhi constituency as the party swept all the seven seats in the national capital. To accommodate Gambhir, the BJP will shift Lekhi to another seat. Gambhir stays in Rajinder Nagar, which falls within the New Delhi constituency.
If Gambhir decides to contest, it will be a three-way fight with both the AAP and Congress failing to forge an alliance. It will no doubt be tough for Gambhir as AAP has grown in strength since 2014.
Delhi will vote May 12 with the results being announced, May 12.
Agencies