Leander Paes Joins BJP in New Delhi

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on March 31, 2026, in New Delhi, marking his entry into active politics ahead of upcoming state elections, including those in West Bengal. The 52-year-old Olympic bronze medalist and 18-time Grand Slam doubles champion described the move as a significant responsibility to serve the nation through youth empowerment and sports development.

Paes, who previously aligned with the Trinamool Congress in 2021 and campaigned for the party in Goa's assembly elections without contesting, was inducted at BJP headquarters in the presence of senior leaders, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. Rijiju, who oversees minority affairs, called the occasion a moment of pride, noting Paes's inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives in sports over the past decade. "Leander Paes's entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party family today marks a historic moment," Rijiju said at a press conference. He added that Paes's experience would advance India's sports movement.

The following day, Paes met Prime Minister Modi, who expressed admiration for his tennis achievements and discussed issues related to...