Leander Paes joins BJP ahead of Bengal assembly election

Tennis legend Leander Paes has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and will campaign for the party in West Bengal ahead of the polls. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed Paes as he was inducted into the BJP. Paes met with BJP President JP Nadda in Kolkata and will serve as the party's star campaigner in the poll-bound state. Rijiju highlighted Paes's historic achievements, noting that he won India's first individual Olympic medal in 44 years at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, securing a bronze in singles lawn tennis. Rijiju stated that Paes is the first Asian to win an Olympic medal in tennis and holds records in Davis Cup and Grand Slam tournaments. West Bengal BJP leaders described Paes's joining as a significant moment for the party, stating it strengthens the BJP ahead of the elections and indicates growing support for the party in the state.