BJP offers ticket to Sourav Ganguly for 2014

The BJP Saturday said it has offered a ticket to former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly to contest the 2014 general elections but he has sought time to consider the proposal.

The offer was made by Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Varun Gandhi during a recent meeting with the retired cricketer in Delhi. Gandhi is also the in-charge of the BJP's affairs in West Bengal.

However, Ganguly was yet to give his nod and only sought time.

"Varun Gandhi recently approached Ganguly with the offer. We have told him that he can contest from any seat of his choice. Ganguly has not yet said yes. He said he will consider. He has sought some time to think over it," state BJP president Rahul Sinha told IANS.

Ganguly was not available for comment but a local newspaper quoted him as saying "Yes, I have receive such an offer. I am thinking over it. I am yet to decide what I will do. The last few days have been very hectic."

Sinha said his party has made similar offers to some other notable personalities from the state. However, he refused to disclose their names saying "let things crystallise first".

The state BJP has in the past fielded eminent non-political personalities in elections. Celebrated actor Victor Banerjee, renowned soccer coach Amal Dutta and former world champion body-builder Manohar Aich tried their hand without luck as BJP candidates in Lok Sabha polls.