Politics is not new to tennis star Leander Paes. Embracing his new avatar as a BJP leader after switching from the Trinamool Congress(TMC), Paes says his vision aligns with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a vision to make a difference to 250 million lives of children and youth through sports and development, and prevent a brain drain from West Bengal.
“PM Modi called me to Delhi, and I went to pay my respects to him. I want to thank him for meeting a Bengal boy with an open heart, with respect. I told him all pain points,” Paes said.
“Our PM has worked for 15 years and made the country one of the top four global economies. It is a very big thing. I want sports and youth development, for which PM Modi has given me the responsibility to form a team and bring the 2036 Olympics to India,” said the tennis legend.
Paes spoke about taking his father Vece Paes’s vision forward, which he had stated before his death. “My father told me to make a difference in 250 million children’s lives. He gave me this responsibility.”
The tennis star chose not to speak about the TMC and the reasons for his exit. Instead, he spoke about using the political platform to make a difference in West Bengal’s development, generate talent and income for the youth.
Paes aligned with the BJP’s narrative on the lack of development in the state. “I don’t want to make Bengal an old-age home. I want to build Bengal and its youth’s lives. This is my dream. There should not be a brain drain. They should not go to other cities and countries. Bengal’s youth should stay in Bengal,” he added.
The BJP is yet to announce candidates for six of the 294 constituencies going to polls in the upcoming Assembly elections. There is a possibility that Paes may be fielded from one of these seats.