Leander Paes: Lawn Tennis legend Leander Paes has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026.
The Atlanta Olympic Games bronze medallist joined the BJP in the presence of former state BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The winner of eight men’s doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles remarked that he worked hard every day to earn respect for his family members, himself and the country and it is now the right time to serve the youth and the nation now.
Leander Paes-Entry Into West Bengal Politics
The state of West Bengal would go to elections in two phases – April 23 and 29, 2026. In 2021, Leander Paes had joined the Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress and even campaigned for TMC during the Goa elections in 2022. However, Paes has not contested any election till date.
Many in the political circles believe that Paes may be considered by BJP for a seat in the Rajya Sabha after the West Bengal elections.
About Leander Paes
Considered to be one of the world’s greatest doubles tennis players of all-time, Leander Adrian Paes holds the record for the most doubles win the prestigious Davis Cup. Paes is also credited with only one of the three men ever in the history of Open era to won the rare men’s/mixed double at the 1999 Wimbledon Championships.
In 1999, Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi became the first pair in the history of Open era to ever reach the men’s doubles finals of all four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open) in the same calendar year.
The tennis legend has been bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, Arjuna award, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. Paes is the only tennis player in the world to compete in 7 Olympic Games.
