BJP Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir on Saturday requested party president J P Nadda to relieve him of political duties so that he can focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.
The parliamentarian from East Delhi also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for giving him an opportunity to serve the people.
“I have requested Hon’ble party president J P Nadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir said on X.
The move by Gambhir, a former team India cricketer, came amid buzz in the BJP circles about him being possibly replaced in the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming general elections.
The BJP has yet to announce tickets for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi.
Names of several probables, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, general secretary Harsh Malhotra and state treasurer Vishnu Mittal are making the rounds as contenders for the East Delhi seat.
People close to Gambhir said he was prepared to contest from the East Delhi seat this time too. However, the reason behind his sudden decision was not clear yet.