Former India Pacer Ashok Dinda Takes Oath as State Minister

Former Indian cricketer and fast bowler Ashok Dinda has achieved another significant milestone in his political career after being inducted into the newly formed West Bengal cabinet. Dinda took oath as a state minister during a swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. The development marks a new chapter in the former pacer's journey from professional cricket to public service.

The cabinet expansion, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, saw 35 ministers take the oath of office in the presence of Governor R. N. Ravi. Dinda, who contested as a BJP candidate from the Moyna Assembly constituency, secured victory with a margin of 16,241 votes. After retiring from cricket, he joined the BJP in 2021 and quickly established himself in politics. During his cricket career, Dinda represented India in 13 ODIs and nine T20Is, besides playing for multiple IPL franchises and taking 69 wickets in 78 IPL matches.