Kolkata: Yusuf Pathan, the Trinamool Congress’ contender against Congress heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Baharampur, is adamant about his commitment to politics and his bond with the people of the city, who have warmly embraced him.
Having retired from all forms of cricket in February 2021, Pathan expresses growing strength and confidence with each passing day in Baharampur. “I feel blessed to have arrived in a place where people are saying ‘we won’t let you leave us,’” said the right-hand batsman, renowned for his towering sixes, in an interview with PTI.
“People here have already embraced me as their son, brother, or friend. Regardless of the election’s outcome, I will stand by them for the bright future they deserve. These people are my strength, and, God willing, I will emerge victorious. I am so positive right now that the thought of a defeat doesn’t even cross my mind,” Pathan affirmed.
He is contesting from the prestigious Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress ticket, emerging as the primary challenger to Congress veteran and incumbent Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on his home turf. “I hold utmost respect for Adhir Chowdhury, a senior leader,” Pathan stated.
However, Pathan also pointed out grievances expressed by the people regarding Chowdhury’s alleged absence from grassroots during the Covid years. “People here complain that Chowdhury failed to secure essential central grants for infrastructure and job opportunities. There’s insufficient employment, and the 25-year MP should explain to the people why he fell short,” said the former cricketer, who relocated from Gujarat to vie for a Lok Sabha seat from Bengal.
Pathan highlighted creating job opportunities to retain migrant workers, constructing a world-class sports complex, developing infrastructure for local silk, thermocol, and jute industry workers, and establishing a support system for farmers as key areas of focus, should Baharampur voters elect him as their representative in Parliament.
“I have a lot to accomplish here. Through my brief time in the region, during my election campaigns and interactions with the people, I have recognized the pressing needs,” he stated. Joining the Lok Sabha election race was the last thing on Pathan’s mind just over a month and a half ago until Mamata Banerjee (CM and TMC supremo) and her nephew Abhishek approached him.
This occurred less than a week before the party announced its candidate list on March 10, Pathan revealed. Initially hesitant, he grappled with the decision of whether to accept the offer. “After all, I had never seriously considered politics before, nor was I particularly fond of it,” he admitted.
When asked what swayed his decision towards politics and the TMC, Pathan chuckled, “Cricket toh khatam ho gaya, kuch toh karna tha (my cricketing days were over and I had to do something).”
“On a serious note, I consulted my family, including my brother Irfan and wife Afreen. I also sought advice from my seniors and friends. It dawned on me that this could be a gift, an opportunity from the Almighty to serve the people and repay society for the love and respect I’ve received all these years,” he reflected.
Pathan emphasized his familiarity with Mamata Banerjee’s politics for over a decade, particularly since 2011 when he began playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. “During my months-long stays in Bengal, I witnessed the civic infrastructure developments she brought to Kolkata. People spoke to me about her initiatives in women’s education and for the underprivileged. I even met her in 2014 after KKR won the IPL that season,” he reminisced.
Accepting her offer was an easy decision, Pathan added. When asked if his religious identity as a devout Muslim gave him an advantage in a Muslim-majority seat like Baharampur, Pathan firmly rejected the idea of using religion for political gain. “I hold respect for every religion in this country, but people shouldn’t be treated as vote banks based on their religious identities.”
He emphasized that elections should benefit both majority and minority communities, focusing on economic growth and the people’s development to secure a better future for the next generation. Despite bidding farewell to professional cricket, Pathan maintains a deep connection to the sport.
Pathan asserted that his identity as a cricketer would always be prominent, even in his newfound political journey. “Both my identities hold significance, and I cannot conceal either. However, people will always see me as a cricketer first. They’ve watched me play and admired my performances on the field. Now, they can expect me to serve them as one of their own,” he concluded.