At a press conference in Delhi, Atishi, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi Minister, remarked that Gautam Gambhir's request to BJP national president JP Nadda to relieve him of his "political duties" indicates that the saffron party has chosen not to offer the former cricketer a ticket to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from the East Delhi constituency.
In a statement shared on social media platform X earlier today, Gambhir expressed, "I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments." Additionally, he extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah "for allowing me to serve the people."
Addressing Gambhir's announcement of "retiring from his political career," Atishi remarked during the press conference that the BJP has a tendency to nominate candidates without assessing their capabilities and dedication to public service. She noted, "None of the elected BJP representatives are visible amongst the public nor do they engage in any public work. For the last five years, Gautam Gambhir too, did nothing in his area (East Delhi)."
Gambhir's decision came shortly before he assumed his role as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2018, Gambhir joined the BJP in 2019 and emerged victorious in the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency election.
