Former Cricketer Shiv Shankar Paul Aims for Political Success in TMC's Election Bid
Shiv Shankar Paul's Political Aspirations
Shiv Shankar Paul, a former fast bowler from Bengal, has expressed confidence in showcasing the same fearlessness in his first electoral contest as he did while bowling against cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Known in the domestic cricket circuit as 'Mako', the 44-year-old candidate is eager to assist young athletes in various districts, particularly in securing adequate housing in Kolkata to help realize their dreams, should he win the election.
In a statement, Paul remarked, "I was never intimidated while bowling to Sachin Tendulkar, and I am not afraid to contest in elections now. I have always aimed for victory on the field." Representing the TMC, Paul faces a challenging electoral landscape, as his party lost this seat in the 2021 elections to BJP's Malti Rava Roy by over 31,000 votes.
Despite the strong BJP presence, Paul believes that his personal connection to the constituency, along with his reputation for discipline and hard work, will aid in securing a win for the ruling party. Undeterred by electoral challenges, he stated, "I have bowled many overs against cricket legends; now I want to bowl for my people, helping them tackle challenges in sports, education, and daily life."
Deep Roots in Stormganj and Commitment to Service
Although Paul spent much of his professional career in Kolkata, he has a profound connection to Stormganj. He emphasized that his entry into politics is driven by a desire to serve the community. He pointed out that financial and infrastructural barriers often crush the dreams of talented players, and he aims to systematically address these challenges.
Paul expressed his intention to request assistance from Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee to establish a hostel in Kolkata for students from North Bengal. Many boys and girls cannot afford the cost of living in the state capital and end up abandoning their sports aspirations. A hostel would provide them with affordable accommodation and support their dreams.
His electoral campaign commenced on March 19 with a prayer at a local temple. Paul made a name for himself as a reliable and hardworking bowler during his time with the Bengal team, which reached the Ranji Trophy finals in 2005-06 and 2006-07, demonstrating his ability to bowl for extended periods under pressure. Throughout his first-class career, he took over 100 wickets.
Political analysts believe that while Paul's personal connections and sports background may work in his favor, the electoral dynamics in Stormganj are complicated due to the strong BJP organization and active participation from the Left. Nevertheless, Paul is confident that the discipline, focus, and fearlessness he gained through cricket will help him navigate the challenges of political life.