Leander Paes Joins BJP Ahead of West Bengal 2026 Polls
Tennis legend Leander Paes formally joined the BJP on March 31, 2026, in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. His move comes weeks before the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections on April 23 and 29. Paes had earlier been associated with Trinamool Congress.
New Delhi, March 31, 2026: In a significant political development ahead of the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections, tennis icon Leander Paes formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today. The legendary Davis Cup player and Olympic bronze medallist was inducted into the party in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar.
Paes’ entry into the BJP marks yet another shift in his brief political journey. The 52-year-old had joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 and actively campaigned for the Mamata Banerjee-led party during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. His move to the BJP comes just weeks before West Bengal goes to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026.
While welcoming Paes into the fold, Kiren Rijiju fondly recalled the tennis star’s memorable performance at the 1996 Barcelona Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in men’s singles. Rijiju expressed how disheartened he felt watching an injured Paes lose to eventual gold medallist Andre Agassi, highlighting the champion’s fighting spirit that defined his illustrious career spanning over two decades.
The timing of Paes’ induction has added fresh momentum to the already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal. BJP leaders view his entry as a boost to the party’s outreach, especially among sports enthusiasts and urban voters. Paes had recently met senior BJP leaders, including national president Nitin Nadda and state unit functionaries in Kolkata, which had triggered speculation about his political alignment.
Trinamool Congress leaders were quick to react, terming Paes an “outsider” and questioning the sincerity of his political commitments. The development has intensified the ongoing battle of narratives between the ruling party and the opposition BJP as both sides gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
Leander Paes, one of India’s most decorated tennis players with multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, brings a high-profile name to the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal. Known for his tenacity on the court and national pride, Paes has often spoken about his desire to serve the country beyond sports.
With the Model Code of Conduct set to come into force soon and nominations beginning in early April, Paes’ joining is likely to generate considerable attention in the coming days. Whether the tennis legend will contest any seat or play a broader campaign role remains to be seen, but his presence has already added a new dimension to the 2026 West Bengal electoral landscape.
As the state prepares for polling on April 23 and 29, with results expected on May 4, major parties are aggressively finalising strategies and candidates. Paes’ switch has once again underscored how sports personalities are increasingly being drawn into the political arena, bringing their popularity and public image to influence voter sentiment.
For now, Leander Paes begins a new chapter in his life — moving from the tennis court to the political arena — at a time when West Bengal’s political future hangs in balance.
