In an interesting move by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ruling West Bengal, the party has declared that the former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan will represent for the Behrampore constituency in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. This marks Pathan’s inauguration into politics, where he will challenge politician Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress party.
This contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched political battles in the state. With one being a celebrity in his own right, Pathan is famed for his successful cricket career, whereas Chowdhury is a veteran politician. Chowdhury has represented Behrampore five consecutive times and started his political career in the late 1940s which gives him an experience of 40 years in politics.
I'm eternally grateful to Smt. @MamataOfficial for welcoming me into the TMC family and trusting me with the responsibility to become people's voice in the Parliament.
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 10, 2024
As representatives of the people, it is our duty to uplift the poor and deprived, and that is what I hope to… pic.twitter.com/rFM5aYyrDg
In his successful cricket career, Yusuf Pathan has represented India in 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is wherein he contributed to the team’s success in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Beyond Pathan’s international career, he has also served to the victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 and 2014.
Yusuf joined the TMC in March 2022 after retiring from cricket in February 2021. His move to politics will be closely watched as he brings his sporting spirit and popularity to challenge Chowdhury in his stronghold of Behrampore. By fielding Yusuf, the TMC will utilise his cricket legacy to win in this imperative constituency and set the stage for a highly expected contest in the 2024 elections.
