Tennis legend Leander Paes, the latest star recruit of the BJP, made waves in Kolkata on Saturday during his first major press interaction. Flanked by top leadership, Paes emphasized his deep roots in the city, stating that his journey from La Martiniere to the South Club made him the “son of the soil” he is today. He revealed that PM Narendra Modi has entrusted him with ‘7 strategic visions’ to transform India into a sporting superpower by 2036.

Criticism of Infrastructure: Paes didn’t mince words while discussing the state of sports in Bengal. “There isn’t a single indoor tennis court here. In 100 years, only 4 Olympic medals have come from Bengal. I am here to change this and ensure our youth are employment-ready,” he asserted.

The Messi Controversy: Taking a dig at the administration regarding Lionel Messi’s past visit to Kolkata, Paes remarked that the football icon was disrespected due to poor management. He suggested that if sporting legends like Sourav Ganguly had headed the organization, such a fiasco would never have occurred. Addressing his critics, he concluded, “I may not be Sourav Ganguly, but I am a proud Bengali dedicated to serving this nation.”