In an intriguing political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contemplating the possibility of nominating renowned cricketer Mohammad Shami from West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speculations around this proposal have gained momentum following Shami’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2023, during a wedding, adding fuel to the ongoing discussions.
Shami’s Background and Chances
Mohammad Shami is a well-known player in Indian cricket. He plays for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and has done very well in cricket at the state and national levels. He is taking a break to heal from a surgery, but he played very well in the World Cup and got a lot of praise. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him personally for his amazing performance.
BJP’s Plan and Possible Choice
Sources within the BJP indicate that the party sees Shami as a viable candidate for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly in minority-dominated constituencies in West Bengal. They hope to win in these areas by choosing Shami, and they are looking at the Basirhat seat as the main option. This is also because there was some violence in a village called Sandeshkhali in Basirhat, which makes this seat more important.
Support from Government and People
Shami’s potential candidacy has garnered attention not only within the political sphere but also among government officials. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s announcement regarding the construction of a cricket stadium in Shami’s native village in Amroha further emphasizes the widespread support for the cricketer.