Laxmi Ratan Shukla Starts New Innings , Join TMC

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Laxmi Ratan Shukla along with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Netaji Indoor Stadium . Image Source : Xtra Time

Kolkata : Former Bengal captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla,who recently announced his retirement from first-class cricket have started his new innings . Laxmi have officially joined the ruling party  Trinamool Congress along with Late Jagmohan Dalmiya’s daughter Vaishali Dalmiya today at a party convention . Laxmi joins a list of sports personalities who have  earlier joined  TMC from the state .

Laxmi seemed quite excited to join Trinamool Congress. The former Bengal captain described it as a nice feeling and feels it as a good opportunity to serve his state. According to him ,“ It’s a  huge honour for me personally . It will be a good opportunity for me to be working for the society . I have always been involved with social services , and with an added responsibility now , I will try to reach out more and more people .   ”

On being  asked  about his conversation with the chief minister Mamata Banerjee ,  the former Bengal captain replied ,” There is nothing to be specific about really . I have always admired her taking the party to the forefront . She has been an inspiration for me and because of her I have joined the party .”

Laxmi has the reputation of doing a lot of charity work in his constituency . The all-rounder was asked whether he will get a ticket from the Bally constituency , he commented ,“ I have always put in my best effort and have been honest . During my playing days , I have put in my best for Bengal . The same will apply for me now as I start my new innings in politics .”

Last few years there has been staunch criticism about the party from a certain segment . But Laxmi himself has other views “ See , the party has done exceptional work during the last four years . I feel this has also got to be the reason for me joining the party .”

If sources are to be believed, the 34-year-old cricketer will be contesting the Assembly polls from Bally .A career spanning almost 19 years, Shukla called time on his career after he was overlooked for Bengal side despite declaring himself fit. Shukla is due to start his own academy in a few months time . So , cricket coaching , politics , family will all go accordingly for him .

Meanwhile, late Jagmohan Dalmiya’s daughter Vaishali has also joined Trinamool Congress . It is being understood that Mamata’s respect for the late BCCI strongman  has earned his daughter the coveted TMC membership. She is also likely to be contesting the polls in May, but the constituency is yet to be decided. It is almost confirmed that she will contest from a seat in Alipore area .