Sourav Ganguly refrains from political endeavours for the time being

The rumours of the former Indian captain and current president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, entering politics by joining the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) are doing rounds in the cricket fraternity for quite some time now. While the veteran has never spoken a word regarding the same, it is believed that he will be contesting the elections for the nation’s ruling party in the upcoming state elections of West Bengal.

The popularity of Sourav Ganguly and his influence on the people belonging to his home state is unknown to none. Thus, it is speculated that BJP is trying its best to include the BCCI office-bearer in their party. The rumors of Ganguly joining BJP had started after he along with the son of Amit Shah, Jay Shah, had taken the responsibility as the President and Secretary of the Indian cricket board respectively. 

In addition, his frequent meets with the governor of West Bengal and Home Minister, Amit Shah, added to the speculations. There were also talks regarding Ganguly, attending the mega rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata on March 7, and officially joining the political party.

A few days back, BJP spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya had hinted towards the presence of Sourav in the meeting by saying the former captain is most welcome if his health conditions permit him the same. “We know Sourav is under rest at home. If he considers attending the meeting, health and weather conditions permitting, he will be most welcome. If he is present, we think he will like it. The crowd will also like that. But we don’t know. It is for him to decide,” Mr. Bhattacharya had told the reporters in Kolkata.

Sourav Ganguly to not take any risk with his health

However, it is now learned that Ganguly has prolonged his entry into politics owing to his current health issues. Ganguly had suffered a mild heart attack in January following which he was diagnosed with Triple Vessel Disease and a  stent was inserted into one of the blocked arteries at that time.

The 48-year-old was again admitted to the hospital towards the end of January after he had complained of some chest pain. He underwent a fresh round of angioplasty to clear clogged coronary arteries and two more stents were implanted during the surgery. Thus the veteran is not ready to take any risk with his health and has conveyed the same to BJP Headquarters.

“Though he has recovered, he is in no condition to go for extensive campaigning. His family is totally against him taking the risk,” a source close to Ganguly revealed as quoted by Latestly.