The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi):In the realm of cricket, Yusuf Pathan was celebrated for his boundary-smashing prowess, securing two World Cup victories. Now, as he steps into the political arena, he faces a new kind of competition. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fielded him, likely against Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a Congress stalwart and five-time Member of Parliament from Baharampur. Pathan expressed his gratitude towards Mamata Banerjee for the opportunity to represent the people in Parliament, aiming to champion the cause of the underprivileged.
Despite the Congress not yet finalizing its candidate list, speculations suggest a significant challenge awaits Pathan against Chowdhury, who also leads the Congress’s state operations. Pathan, taken aback by his own nomination, aims to leverage the affection of the locals for societal contribution.
Chowdhury, in response, criticized the move as a tactic to divide voters, labeling Pathan an ‘outsider’, a term ironically used by Mamata Banerjee against the BJP. He suggested that a Rajya Sabha nomination or a candidacy from Gujarat would have been more fitting for Pathan, viewing his selection as a strategy to assist BJP by undermining Congress.
Pathan, at 41, after retiring from professional cricket, turned his focus to philanthropy in Vadodara. His transition from sports to politics is seen by some as a move to split the minority vote, while others view it as TMC’s pattern of introducing celebrities into politics to challenge formidable opponents.
This strategy also intersects with rumors of the BJP courting Mohammed Shami for a North 24 Parganas constituency, adding layers of political maneuvering. The choice of Pathan by TMC is seen as a multi-faceted strategy, potentially setting the stage for his future political involvement, possibly even in the Rajya Sabha, depending on the election outcome.
Support comes from Irfan Pathan, Yusuf’s brother, who praised Yusuf’s humanitarian efforts and potential for impactful political service. TMC’s list for the elections also stars various celebrities, indicating a blend of glamour and politics in their campaign strategy.