Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Chairman Sourav Ganguly spoke about his close relationship with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the home and had dinner with his family. Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, also praised West Bengal Minister and Calcutta Mayor Firhad Hakim, describing him as someone who can be contacted at any time.
“Hon. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is very close to me,” Ganguly said at the opening of a private hospital here. I had approached him to help this institute. I am also very close to Firhad Hakim. He has been watching me since he was in first class. He is our family friend. Anyone who contacts him is helped. I have also called him several times.
Amit Shah’s visit to Ganguly’s residence on Friday had fueled speculation that the former cricketer might soon try his hand at politics. However, the dinner was said to be a close family affair, organized by Ganguly, his wife Dona Ganguly, Sourav’s older brother Snehasish Ganguly and other family members.
Shah was accompanied by BJP ideologue Swapna Dasgupta, party state chairman Sukant Majumdar and West Bengal Assembly Leader of the Opposition Shubhendu Adhikari. Aware of the speculation, Ganguly had said on Friday: “Many kinds of speculation are being made… but I’ve known him (Shah) since 2008.” He used to meet him while he was playing cricket. There is nothing more than this. He also said that he has worked with Shah’s son, Jay Shah, at the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Jay Shah is the secretary of BCCI.