Paes, who proved his mettle on the tennis court, now tried to advocate the cause of common people, as “I have always wanted to serve the nation in some way or the other”.
Tennis player Leander Paes, who recently entered politics during a Trinamool Congress rally in Goa, said that he wants to create a difference in the society by thwarting all attempts to divide the society on religious and racial lines.
Paes, who proved his mettle on the tennis court, now tried to advocate the cause of common people, as “I have always wanted to serve the nation in some way or the other”.
In an interview to PTI, he said, “Thirty years ago, I started as a tennis player. Then and now, my aim to serve the country remains the same, only the vehicle or medium has changed.”
The tennis star hailed TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a “born leader” who can achieve anything she makes up her mind.
“Back in 2014, I had said that I would like to join politics. From a very young age, I always wanted to serve my country, make India proud. And now is the right time (to join politics) as I have already spent 30 years of my life representing India as a sportsperson on global forums,” he said.
The athlete turned politician thanked Banerjee for giving him this opportunity.
“Now I have the time, passion and energy to focus on my journey in politics. My long association with Mamta didi only gives me a sense of comfort to start a new chapter,” he said.
Speaking on the current situation in India, he said that politics was being used as a tool to divide people on religious and racial lines, and he too had to face questions on his ancestry in the past.
“I feel deeply saddened when I see the divisive tactics used to create division on the basis of religion, caste and colour. I have been questioned many times about my ancestry.”
“Yes, I was born to a Bengali mother and a Goan father, but I am an Indian. I believe that politics should have only one aim and that is good governance because only healthy, happy people can build a healthy, happy nation.’
The Padma Bhushan awardee, however, refused to give a direct answer when asked whether he would contest elections in Goa early next year.
“I am a team player here. We think, we discuss, we create dialogues, and we take decisions as a team. So if our team captain Mamata Banerjee chooses me as a candidate for election. If I decide to take it down, she will let us all know,” he said.
Still, he said it would be an honor for him to serve his “fellow citizens” in Goa.
“There are many issues that affect our beautiful state of Goa. Some of them are lack of potable water and public health facilities. Transport availability, sewage disposal, fair trade for fishermen and unemployment are also issues that need attention. We need to ensure that education is affordable for the youth.”
Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Pope Francis will have any impact on the assembly elections in Goa, where Christians form a major part of the population, Paes said “voters are not affected by such news”. Huh.”
“I have had the good opportunity to meet the Pope in the past. I am very glad that our PM has also had this wonderful opportunity. I am very happy to hear the news that our Pope is visiting our beautiful country. I Really looking forward to it,” he said.
At the end of the day, everyone wants someone who will listen to their problems and offer solutions, the Davis Cup winner insisted.
Talking about Banerjee, Paes, who was born and brought up in Kolkata, said that he is a dynamic leader who keeps his promises.
“She is sympathetic to the poor and downtrodden. He is a doer. She believes that serving people is her job, and she doesn’t expect anyone to be at her service. Mamata Banerjee is someone who is capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to,” said the tennis icon.
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