Gautam Gambhir was not one to mince words on the field – and, for sometime now, off the field as well.
The former cricketer who officially made his debut in politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, 22 March, has often used Twitter for his political commentary. He has been critical of the Delhi government, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and even pointed fingers at the BJP.
Here’s a Twitter recap of how Gambhir the cricketer paved the way to become Gambhir the politician.
When He Said He Won’t Join Politics
On 16 December last year, Gambhir shared a letter by Narendra Modi, in which the prime minister had extolled him as “a dependable opener, who often took the team to flying starts.”
Written soon after Gambhir announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, the prime minister’s letter noted that his decision marked “the start of not one but several innings” of his life.
The letter – and Gambhir’s response – sent Twitter abuzz with speculation of Gambhir’s career move into politics.
However, a few days into the New Year, Gambhir announced on Twitter that he will not join politics.
Later on 26 January, Gambhir was awarded the Padma Awards. He tweeted this:
Gambhir’s AAP Contention
Gambhir is openly critical of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) governance in Delhi under the chief ministership of Arvind Kejriwal. On several occasions, he has voiced his dissent against how the Delhi government has handled the pollution woes of the city.
Earlier this year, he was quick to criticise Kejriwal when the Delhi chief minister decided to sit on a dharna.
Again, he attacked Kejriwal for his party plastering its advertisements in newspapers.
In fact, he also reprimanded the BJP and the Congress for spending tax money on political advertisements.
Fiery Stand on Kashmir
Gambhir, who claims to be a fiery nationalist, was quick to denounce the separatists in the Valley following the terror attack in Pulwama that killed 40 CRPF personnel.
He even urged the ruling BJP at the Centre to pull back the security cover provided to Hurriyat leaders.
Gambhir has also engaged in arguments on Twitter with National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
After cricket, how Gambhir paces his political innings in the saffron party will be much watched out for, especially at the cusp of the all-important general elections.
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