Leander Paes Joins BJP Ahead of West Bengal Assembly Elections
Leander Paes Enters Politics with BJP Membership
On Tuesday, renowned tennis player Leander Paes officially became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party's headquarters in New Delhi, just before the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Following his induction, the BJP's West Bengal unit took to social media to express their enthusiasm, stating: “From global courts to national commitment, another voice supports the call for poriborton [change] in West Bengal.”
After aligning with the BJP, Paes expressed that he sees this move as a chance to serve the nation and play a role in nurturing the youth, especially through sports, as reported by a news agency.
Previously, Paes was affiliated with the Trinamool Congress, having joined them in 2021 prior to the Goa Assembly elections.
In response to Paes' switch, the Trinamool Congress criticized the BJP for bringing in another “bohiragoto,” or outsider, into West Bengal.
VIDEO | Delhi: Tennis legend Leander Paes joins BJP.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 31, 2026
He says, "I want to thank PM Modi, Amit Shah ji and Nitin Nabin. The way BJP family has nurtured me and given me the opportunity. Kiren Rijiju is someone whom I consider my hero and look up to. We have a big opportunity to… pic.twitter.com/mhqi9jWs7v
Born in Kolkata in 1973, Paes is celebrated as one of India's top tennis players, boasting 18 Grand Slam titles in both men's and mixed doubles, along with a bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
His accolades include the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, and he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results expected on May 4.