Players' entry into politics is not new. Many players like Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mohammad Azharuddin, Vijender Singh have also contested elections from different parties.
At present, the electoral atmosphere in five states is at its peak. In West Bengal too, two cricketers have stepped on the political pitch. Indian batsman Manoj Tiwary is with the Trinamool Congress and fast bowler Ashok Dinda is with the BJP.
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Manoj Tiwary took to Twitter to thank Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee for showing him the way.
He also added that the fight has begun for the people and with the people. He also promised that the party will look after all their workers.
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"A new journey begins from today. Need all your love support. From now onwards this will be my political profile on Instagram," he tweeted.
Manoj Tiwary, who has played 12 One-Day and three T20 matches for India, is the Trinamool candidate from Howrah's Shibpur seat.
Manoj Tiwary, who captained the Indian Under-19 and India A team, has also given many trophies to the Bengal team.
Manoj said that the reason for coming from cricket to politics is public service. He also said that he wants to play a long innings in politics.
Meanwhile, another star cricketer from Bengal Ashoke Dinda has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the election.
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BJP has fielded Dinda from the Moyna Assembly seat. Ashok Dinda, who recently retired, has played 13 one-day matches and 9 T20 matches for Team India.
Union Minister Babul Supriyo and BJP State Vice President Arjun Singh got him membership of the party.
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