Can Sourav Ganguly become the Chief Minister of Bengal!

Ganguly, who took over the reins of the Indian cricket team as captain in 2000, is credited with pioneering many things. From bringing about a paradigm shift in the team's style of play to fully backing his favored players and instilling aggression into the side, he performed unprecedented feats that later became legends in their own right. The impact on the youngsters he backed can be understood from the comments of Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and others; Yuvraj once famously stated, "Anyone could die on the field for a captain like him." Sourav also adeptly led senior players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, and Srinath. Whether it was team selection or issues concerning the cricket board, his word always held sway. Over time, Sourav Ganguly's personal aura and brand expanded significantly as well. In his home state of West Bengal, he achieved an almost god-like status, which persists to this day.

Even after his retirement, Ganguly did not lose his ambition. He became the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and served two terms. Then, in October 2019, he was elected President of the BCCI. He is the first Indian cricketer in 65 years to become the head of the BCCI.

Since then, there has been much speculation that Ganguly has deepened his ties with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre. He is often seen on friendly terms with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, son of Home Minister Amit Shah. Ganguly has never publicly denied his closeness to the BJP, nor has he openly acknowledged any formal affiliation.

With the Bengal elections just around the corner and the BJP leaving no stone unturned to challenge the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, there is speculation that Ganguly might soon join the saffron party. Amit Shah has already made it clear that if the BJP comes to power, the Chief Minister will be a dhartiputra (son of the soil). Given the fact that Ganguly is still regarded as the brightest 'Bengal icon', this arrangement could suit both sides well.