Cricketer Dodda Ganesh joins Janata Dal (S)

Bangalore, Jun 27: Former Indian medium pacer Dodda Ganesh today joined the list of cricketers embracing politics by stepping into the Janata Dal (Secular).

Former Indian Skipper Mohammed Azaruddin was present when Ganesh shook hands with former Prime Minister H D Devegowda at a simple function held in the JD(S) Office here.

Speaking after joining the JD(S), Ganesh said it was Azaruddin who advised him to join JD(S), though he had invitation from other national parties to join them.

Apart from playing 104 first class matches claiming 365 wickets, mainly for the Karnataka state, Ganesh made the national debut against South Africa in 1997 and during his short international career played four test mataches and one ODI.

"Some national parties had invited me after I expressed interest in joining politics. But it was 'Ajju bhai' who advised me to join JD(S) and instantly I decided to follow his advise. What is the point in serving in a national party when farmers in my own state suffer. JD(S) being a regional party is the right platform for me to serve the poor and downtrodden," Ganesh declared.

Azharuddin who also spoke said the response he received at the party office was overwhelming. ''I love Bangalore as I have spent a lot of time as a youngster. People like cricket and they do everything in style. Ganesh owes a lot to the people of Karnataka and I am confident as a politician he would serve them better'', he said.

Azharuddin visiting JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Monday triggered speculation of the Hyderabadi's possible venturing into politics.

He requested the media not to speculate his presence at the meeting and said he had come only to support Ganesh.

According to reports the former captain had some business interests in the city connected to hopsitality industry.

Mr Gowda thanked Azharuddin for being present in the party function. "I thank +Comrade Azharuddin+ who has seen national and global politics but rightly advised Ganesh to join our party. It is an unforgettable moment for me that people like Azharuddin who has international fame came to attend a meeting of a regional party like ours. His decision is remarkable," he said.

UNI