Paes’ foray into politics came after meeting with BJP chief Nitin Nabin in Kolkata, which had sparked rumors regarding his political direction.
#WATCH | Delhi: Former tennis star Leander Paes has joined the BJP, accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. pic.twitter.com/qIDW1OovWz
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026
Leander Paes’ previous political involvement
Paes has previously dipped his toes in politics. He became a member of Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021 and campaigned for the party during the 2022 Goa elections, although he did not run for office himself.
Early Life
Paes was born on June 17, 1973, in Kolkata, to a family rich in sports heritage. His father, Vece Paes, was part of India’s bronze medal-winning hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
His mother, Jennifer Paes, captained India’s basketball team at the 1980 Asian Basketball Championship and participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Together, Paes’ parents, Vece and Jennifer, made history as the first Indian couple to compete at the same Olympics.
Born in June 1973, Paes would rise to become one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
Tennis career and achievements
Making his Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games at just 18, Paes has enjoyed a career spanning over three decades, dotted with remarkable achievements. He is the sole Indian to win an Olympic medal in tennis, having secured bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
His Grand Slam accomplishments are noteworthy as well, with eight men’s doubles and ten mixed doubles titles to his name.
Connection to renowned Bengali poet
While it remains uncertain if Paes will participate in the Bengal elections, his ties to the state are profound. Through his mother, Jennifer, he descends from the celebrated Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
Remembering my great-great-grandfather, the esteemed poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt, on his birthday today! A trailblazer in Bengali drama, his legacy endures through his writings! pic.twitter.com/4Ayjc82TGQ
— Leander Paes OLY (@Leander) January 25, 2022
Dutt, a foundational figure in modern Bengali literature, is renowned for his epic Meghnad Badh Kavya along with his sonnets and poetry. Jennifer is the child of Dutt’s third son, Napoleon, making Dutt Paes’ great-great-grandfather.
Voting in West Bengal is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
