1. BJP mulls nominating cricketer Mohammad Shami from Bengal for Lok Sabha elections.
2. Sources indicate discussions between BJP leadership and Shami regarding the proposal.
3. Shami, known for his role in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy team, remains active in domestic cricket.
Kolkata, March 08: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering the prospect of nominating renowned cricketer Mohammad Shami from Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as sources said.
Mohammad Shami, who represents Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and remains active in domestic cricket, has been approached by the BJP leadership regarding the proposition. However, Shami is yet to make a decision, currently recuperating from a recent surgery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes for Shami’s swift recovery following the cricketer’s confirmation of undergoing surgery.
Shami, notable for his stellar performance in India’s ODI World Cup campaign, has been inactive in cricket since then.
His remarkable contribution, with 24 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20, significantly contributed to India’s journey to the final.
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PM Modi, in the aftermath of India’s loss in the World Cup finals against Australia, personally met with all the players to offer solace.
He particularly lauded Mohammad Shami for his exceptional performance during the tournament, a moment captured and widely shared when the Prime Minister embraced the player in a viral video.
Shami also had an interaction with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the construction of a cricket stadium in Shami’s native village in Amroha.
Top BJP sources have disclosed that Shami’s name has been proposed as a potential candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.
Internal discussions within the BJP indicate optimism about Shami’s candidacy, especially considering its potential to garner support in minority-dominated constituencies in Bengal.
The primary area of focus for the BJP, as per sources, is to nominate Shami from the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, which has recently been in the spotlight due to incidents of violence in the Sandeshkhali village within its jurisdiction.
