In a notable development ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, former tennis star Leander Paes formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, stepping into active politics after a celebrated international sporting career.
Paes was inducted into the party in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, among other senior leaders. His entry comes at a crucial juncture as the BJP sharpens its campaign strategy in the run-up to the high-stakes assembly polls in the state.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished tennis players, Paes has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. A former Olympic medalist and multiple Grand Slam winner in doubles and mixed doubles, he has been one of the most recognisable faces in Indian sport. His transition into politics is being viewed as part of a broader trend of public figures leveraging their national appeal to engage in governance and public life.
Party leaders welcomed Paes’s induction, highlighting his discipline, international exposure, and commitment to excellence as qualities that align with the BJP’s vision. His presence is expected to strengthen the party’s outreach, particularly among younger voters and urban constituencies, where personality-driven campaigns often play a key role.
The BJP’s move to bring in a high-profile figure like Paes is also being seen as a calculated effort to expand its influence in West Bengal, where it has been working to consolidate its position as a principal challenger to the ruling dispensation. The state is set to go to polls in 2026, with all 294 assembly seats up for grabs, making it one of the most closely watched political contests in the country.
While Paes has not yet outlined a detailed political roadmap or confirmed whether he will contest the elections, party insiders suggest that he is likely to play an active role in campaigning and public engagement. His stature as a sports icon could help the BJP craft a broader narrative around youth empowerment, national pride, and performance-driven leadership.
Paes’s entry into politics also adds to the growing list of sportspersons and public figures who have joined political parties in recent years, reflecting an evolving dynamic in Indian politics where cross-domain influence is increasingly shaping electoral strategies.
"I want to introduce the spirit of sports among all in India," he said during a press conference held at BJP headquarter in the presence of other senior leaders.
As political activity intensifies across West Bengal, all major parties—including the BJP—are ramping up preparations, organisational efforts, and candidate outreach. With the addition of Leander Paes, the BJP appears to be signalling its intent to blend star power with political messaging as it gears up for a fiercely contested election season.
