Paes’ political entry was preceded by a meeting with BJP chief Nitin Nabin in Kolkata, which had sparked speculation about his next political move.
#WATCH | Delhi: Former ace Tennis star Leander Paes joins the BJP, in the presence of Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. pic.twitter.com/qIDW1OovWz
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026
Leander Paes’ previous political involvement
Paes has had prior experience in politics. He joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021 and campaigned for the party during the 2022 Goa elections, though he did not contest.
Early Life
Paes was born on June 17, 1973, in Kolkata, into a family deeply rooted in sports. His father, Vece Paes, was a member of India’s bronze medal-winning hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
His mother, Jennifer Paes, led India’s basketball team at the 1980 Asian Basketball Championship and represented India in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Paes’ parents, Vece and Jennifer, made history by becoming the first Indian married couple to compete in the same Olympics.
In June 1973, Jennifer and Vece welcomed their son, Paes, who would go on to become one of India’s greatest athletes.
Tennis career and achievements
Paes made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games at the age of 18. His career spans more than three decades which is marked by remarkable milestones. He is the only Indian to have won an Olympic medal in tennis. He had secured a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Paes’ Grand Slam record is equally impressive. He has won eight men’s doubles and ten mixed doubles titles.
Connection to renowned Bengali poet
While it is not clear whether Paes will contest the Bengal elections, his connection to the state runs deep. Through his mother, Jennifer, he is a direct descendant of the renowned Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
Remembering my great great grand father, the eminent poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt, on his birth anniversary today! A pioneer of Bengali Drama, his legacy lives on through his poems and literature! pic.twitter.com/4Ayjc82TGQ
— Leander Paes OLY (@Leander) January 25, 2022
Dutt, a pioneer of modern Bengali literature, is famous for his epic Meghnad Badh Kavya and his sonnets and poetry. Jennifer is the daughter of Dutt’s third son, Napoleon. This makes Dutt great-great-grandfather of Paes.
Voting in West Bengal will take place in two phases, on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 4.