Former BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary made his political debut. He is contesting for the Tosham assembly seat in Haryana in the upcoming 2024 elections, representing the Congress party. Anirudh is the grandson of former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal.
Anirudh is making his debut in the electoral arena, having previously spent many years in cricket administration. He has served as the treasurer of the BCCI and was the manager of the Indian team during the 2009 World Cup and the 2011 tour of England. Additionally, he managed Team India at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2010 and has held the position of secretary of the Haryana Cricket Association.
The electoral contest is primarily between BJP’s Shruti Choudhry, a Congress turncoat whose mother, Kiran Choudhry, held the seat for four consecutive terms starting with the 2005 by-election, and Congress newcomer Anirudh Chaudhary, the son of Ranbir Mahendra, former treasurer of the BCCI. This matchup has elevated the constituency's profile. Both Shruti Choudhry and Anirudh Chaudhary are grandchildren of the influential Jat family of Lal, who served as Chief Minister three times and was also a former Defence Minister, with his terms spanning from 1968 to 1999.
In the exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak sports editor Vikrant Gupta Anirudh said that I am contesting from the Congress party. My happiness knows no bounds. I cannot believe the love I am getting. The fourth generation is voting for our family. In such a situation, it is my responsibility to do everything for these people that the rest of my family did.
"I never imagined the support and love I am getting" said Anirudh.
While asked about his transition from cricket to politics, the former BCCI treasurer said that he judges every situation just like a cricket game.
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Whether it is sports or politics, both are part of the society. Whatever field you are in, you get experience from there. In such a situation, you use that experience in other fields. In such a situation, when I look at any situation, I see cricket in it and not politics. I want to play politics also like cricket. 100 is made from singles and victory or defeat is made by 1-2 runs. But I have come to hit fours and sixes" said Anirudh
Earlier, In 2019, the BJP successfully formed a government in Haryana by allying with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). The BJP, which had 40 seats in the 90-member Assembly, secured support from 10 JJP legislators to achieve a majority and form a government for a second term.
In contrast, in 2014, the party had won 47 seats, securing a comfortable majority on its own.
If the upcoming contest in Tosham is a direct battle between the Congress and the BJP, an observer notes, it will result in both a victory and a setback for the architect of modern Haryana.
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