Dhoni, Gambhir Likely to Contest 2019 Polls on BJP Ticket: Report

Reports have surfaced that BJP is likely to field Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir might contest for ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019, according to reports.

Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi’s tepid performance on ground in Delhi is being cited as the main reason for BJP opting for Gautam Gambhir in Delhi, while Dhoni’s popularity even in down South has made his case stronger.

According to a report by The Sunday Guardian, a senior party leader has said that the party is in talks to field MS Dhoni from Jharkhand and Gambhir from Delhi.

The senior leader censured Lekhi’s performance as the party is not impressed with the feedback they have received, prompting them to look for a replacement. The party has been prompted to look for a star campaigner and the search has zeroed in on Gambhir, The Sunday Guardian reported.

MS Dhoni and Gambhir have been recognised as leaders of the country and not just star players by the party, the official said.

“Both players have wide acceptability, respect and credibility across the country and are regarded as leaders by all sections of society. They are not only leaders from their respective states, but also leaders of the country,” the senior leader said.

Dhoni is currently the captain of the Chennai Super Kings team playing at the IPL (Indian Premier League) and thus has reach and mass base even in the southern parts of India. Both these players joining the party will be an asset for us.

Senior BJP Leader to The Sunday Guardian

However, no official word has surfaced from the party and neither has a confirmation from the players.