Mohammed Shami meets UP CM Yogi Adityanath, reignites BJP joining buzz

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the latter’s official residence in Lucknow this morning.

Though officially described as a courtesy call, the meeting has reignited speculation around Shami’s potential entry into politics, more specifically into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fold.

Photographs of the meeting, shared from CM Yogi’s official handle, showed a ceremonial exchange of bouquets and a gift from the CM. Given the BJP’s track record of inducting high-profile public figures, the encounter has sparked considerable buzz.

Shami’s Rising Public and Political Visibility

This isn’t the first indication of Shami’s growing proximity to India’s political leadership. He was previously seen interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially after standout performances like the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he played a key role in India’s victories.

Further interactions include meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and recognition from various BJP-led initiatives. A cricket stadium was also announced in Shami’s native village in Amroha by the UP government, a move interpreted as both symbolic recognition and strategic outreach.

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Why BJP Might Want Shami?

According to reports, the BJP had given serious consideration to Shami’s candidature for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, especially from West Bengal.

It is worth noting that the cricketer represents Bengal in domestic cricket and could appeal to minority voters, a segment where the BJP has historically struggled in the state.

The Basirhat constituency, which gained national attention due to the Sandeshkhali unrest, is reportedly a top pick. With law-and-order issues framing Bengal’s political discourse, Shami’s image as a national sports hero could provide the BJP with a softer, inclusive counter-narrative.

A Strategic Balancing Act

If Shami were to join the BJP, it would reflect a calculated political outreach and his reputation as a disciplined sportsman and survivor of public scrutiny aligns with the party’s interest in crafting a message of integration and national unity.

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As of now, neither Shami nor the BJP has made any public political declaration. However, his increasing visibility in BJP-dominated political spaces, paired with the timing of his visit to CM Yogi, makes it more than just a casual engagement. As such, until a formal announcement is made, the speculation will continue.