Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as announced by his wife, Rivaba Jadeja, who is a BJP MLA from Jamnagar.
The announcement was made on social media, where Rivaba shared photos of herself and Ravindra holding their new BJP membership cards.
This move comes during the BJP’s ongoing membership drive, which aims to expand the party’s base ahead of upcoming elections.
BJP Membership Drive Context
The BJP’s membership drive, termed “Sadasyata Abhiyan 2024,” was launched on September 2, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewing his membership as part of the initiative.
The drive is designed to enroll new members and renew existing memberships, reflecting the party’s goal to strengthen its organizational structure ahead of state elections.
Rivaba Jadeja, who joined the BJP in 2019, has been actively involved in the party and won her assembly seat in 2022, defeating an AAP candidate.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Cricket Career
Ravindra Jadeja, 35, recently retired from T20 international cricket following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
He expressed gratitude for his experiences in T20 cricket, highlighting that winning the World Cup was a career pinnacle.
Over his T20I career, he played 74 matches, taking 54 wickets and scoring 515 runs.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement of Jadeja’s political entry has garnered significant attention, marking a notable transition from sports to politics.
Rivaba’s post on social media emphasized the couple’s shared commitment to the BJP, showcasing their membership cards as a symbol of their new political journey.
This development highlights the intersection of sports and politics in India and reflects the BJP’s strategy of attracting public figures to bolster its image and outreach as it prepares for future electoral challenges.