Sourav Ganguly Denies Role in Alleged Bid to Vacate Yusuf Pathan’s Lok Sabha Seat

Former Indian cricket captain dismisses media reports claiming he acted as an intermediary for Mamata Banerjee in a political shuffle.

The political landscape in West Bengal has been stirred by recent speculation, but cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has firmly distanced himself from the fray. In a formal statement released on June 6, the former Team India captain categorically rejected reports suggesting he acted as an emissary for Mamata Banerjee. The rumors, which gained traction following a June 4 report in the Anandabazar Patrika, alleged that Ganguly had pressured Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan to resign from his parliamentary seat to facilitate a by-election for the West Bengal Chief Minister.

Setting the Record Straight

Addressing media houses directly, Ganguly termed the allegations as being in "reckless disregard of the truth." He clarified that he was never approached by the Trinamool Congress leadership to convey any message to Pathan, nor did he initiate any contact with the former cricketer regarding his political standing. "I have never been involved in political matters at any stage with anyone concerned," Ganguly asserted, urging outlets to verify facts before fueling rumors.

The report in question had claimed that Pathan—who secured a decisive victory over Congress veteran Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by 85,000 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections—had resisted such a request. By publicly stating that no such conversation ever took place, Ganguly has effectively rendered the premise of the report moot. As of now, both Yusuf Pathan and the TMC leadership have maintained silence on the matter, offering no on-record response to the claims.

Context of the Political Turmoil

The rumors emerged during a period of heightened uncertainty as team Mamata faces significant electoral challenges. Following a difficult performance in the 2026 assembly elections, where the TMC’s seat count dropped to 80, speculation regarding Banerjee’s political future and her potential shift toward a role in Delhi has become a frequent subject of discourse.

The involvement of sports icons in these narratives highlights the high-stakes environment currently gripping the state. While both Ganguly and Pathan share a history as teammates—most notably during their time with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL—this connection appears to have been the only link in a story that Ganguly describes as entirely speculative. For now, the former captain remains firm in his decision to stay away from the political arena, a stance he has maintained despite numerous offers in the past.