Sourav Ganguly has refused to speak on speculation that he may join the BJP
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is reportedly in talks to join the ruling BJP and the negotiations, on for some time, have now moved to the "highest level," say sources.
Mr Ganguly, who retired in 2008, refused to confirm or deny speculation that began with this tweet from Mumbai-based industrialist Harsh Goenka: ""#Saurav Ganguly to join BJP. Big coup for the party in West Bengal. #Dada vs Didi."
Dismissing the tweet, Mr Ganguly said, "I don't know why Harsh Goenka has said this. I haven't met him for a long time."
Two of his comments, however, were open to interpretation - "I am taking Swachh Bharat very seriously as it is a good thing," and "Everybody is praising Narendra Modi."
Mr Ganguly, nicknamed the "maharaja," is one of Bengal's top icons and hosts a popular quiz show "Dadagiri" on television.
Sources say the BJP believes the 42-year-old will be a major asset in Bengal, where the party has been looking for a credible face to pit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Mr Ganguly has been sought after by many political parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Congress. He had reportedly turned down the BJP's offer to contest last year's national election. There was speculation that Narendra Modi, now prime minister, had offered to make him sports minister.
Mr Ganguly had said then, "Yes, the BJP did make an offer. However, I have declined it. I won't be contesting the elections."
The BJP won two seats in the election, registering big gains in its vote share, and has since been prepping for a big political showdown in state polls next year.
BJP President Amit Shah had declared at a rally in Kolkata in November: "I am Amit Shah and I have come here to uproot the Trinamool from Bengal."
Sourav Ganguly's possible entry into the BJP sets up another big blow for Mamata Banerjee at a time the Trinamool Congress is losing key leaders to that party. One of her ministers joined the BJP last week and four more are said to be in exit mode.