‘Want to focus on…’: Why BJP MP Gautam Gambhir decided to quit politics ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024

Months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP's East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir has decided to step down from active politics and said that he wants to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. The former Indian batter thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for giving him a chance to serve the people.

The decision came amid reports that the BJP has finalized its first list of the candidates for which may include some high-profile names. As per the BJP sources, the party will first release the names of candidates in the seats it lost in 2019 so that the candidates get ample time to campaign.

While announcing his decision, Gautam Gambhir said that he requested BJP President JP Nadda to relieve him of the political duties so that he can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments.

"I have requested Hon'ble Party President JP 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 for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind," Gautam Gambhir said in a post on X.

Besides his , Gautam Gambhir continued his association with cricket as he coached IPL teams and also played in the Legends League Cricket. Moreover, he worked as a cricket commentator with Star Sports and shared his valuable opinions during various ICC tournaments. Gautam Gambhir's political opponents also attacked the leader for not paying attention to his constituency and always remaining busy with cricket.

The BJP MP responded the the criticism and said the money he earns for cricket is used for the . “Why I commentate in IPL or work in it is because I spend INR 25 lakh every month to feed 5000 people. This translates to roughly