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Gautam Gambhir an 'important induction' in BJP, says Jaitley
Kashmir Times. Dated: 3/23/2019 12:09:48 PM
Delhi cricketer may contest LS Polls
NEW DELHI, Mar 22 (Agencies): Gautam Gambhir, former Indian star cricketer who was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team and played for India for nearly a decade, joined the BJP on Friday and is expected to be fielded by the party in the Lok Sabha polls from one of the seats in the national capital.
The 37-year-old joined the party Delhi in the presence of Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Gautam Gambhir, a former opening batsman, played a key role in India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup and the 2007 T-20 World Cup. He was recently conferred upon the Padma Shri award.
Gambhir said he was impressed by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will work for the country's welfare as a member of the party.
Jaitley, who described Gambhir's joining as an "important induction" into the BJP, said the party will take a call at an appropriate time whether to field him in the Lok Sabha polls.
BJP sources, however, said Gambhir may be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by the party's Meenakshi Lekhi.
Jaitley noted that Gambhir grew up and studied in Delhi, highlighting his link with the city, and said the party will utilise his talent in a maximum way. Gautam Gambhir also met party chief Amit Shah.