NEW DELHI: Cricketer-turned politician Yusuf Pathan on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that the TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee either directly or through Sourav Ganguly had asked him to resign from his Lok Sabha seat to pave the way for her to contest a by-election.In a video shared on social media, Pathan termed the reports “completely false” and said neither the former West Bengal chief minister nor any other party leader had ever discussed such a proposal with him.”For quite some time now, a piece of news has been going viral claiming that Mamata Banerjee asked me to resign from my MP seat, Berhampore Lok Sabha constituency, so that she could contest the election from there,” Pathan said.”Mamata Banerjee never spoke to me about this matter. This claim is completely false. So, neither Mamata Banerjee nor any party leader has asked me to resign from my MP seat,” he added.The clarification comes amid speculation surrounding the Berhampore Lok Sabha constituency and reports suggesting that efforts were being made to pave the way for Mamata to enter Parliament through a by-election.The rumours gained traction following reports that the TMC had allegedly sought the help of former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly to persuade Pathan to vacate the seat. The speculation intensified after discussions over Mamata’s political future following her electoral setback against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the West Bengal assembly elections.Earlier, Ganguly had also strongly denied the claims and said reports linking him to any such effort were false.In a statement, Ganguly said it had been alleged that he contacted Pathan on behalf of Mamata and conveyed a message asking him to “step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative” of the constituency to enable her to contest a by-election.”The aforesaid allegations are untrue,” Ganguly said.Calling the reports irresponsible, he said it was “extremely unfortunate” that no attempt Mamata to have been made to verify the allegations before publication. He further said the claims involving him had been made “in reckless disregard of the truth.” Ganguly also categorically denied acting as an intermediary for the TMC chief. “It is thus necessary to place on record that I was never requested/asked by Ms Mamata Banerjee to convey any message from her to Mr. Yusuf Pathan,” he added.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari ReactsRamalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan
NEW DELHI: Cricketer-turned politician Yusuf Pathan on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that the TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee either directly or through Sourav Ganguly had asked him to resign from his Lok Sabha seat to pave the way for her to contest a by-election.In a video shared on social media, Pathan termed the reports “completely false” and said neither the former West Bengal chief minister nor any other party leader had ever discussed such a proposal with him.“For quite some time now, a piece of news has been going viral claiming that Mamata Banerjee asked me to resign from my MP seat, Berhampore Lok Sabha constituency, so that she could contest the election from there,” Pathan said.“Mamata Banerjee never spoke to me about this matter. This claim is completely false. So, neither Mamata Banerjee nor any party leader has asked me to resign from my MP seat,” he added.The clarification comes amid speculation surrounding the Berhampore Lok Sabha constituency and reports suggesting that efforts were being made to pave the way for Mamata to enter Parliament through a by-election.The rumours gained traction following reports that the TMC had allegedly sought the help of former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly to persuade Pathan to vacate the seat. The speculation intensified after discussions over Mamata’s political future following her electoral setback against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the West Bengal assembly elections.Earlier, Ganguly had also strongly denied the claims and said reports linking him to any such effort were false.In a statement, Ganguly said it had been alleged that he contacted Pathan on behalf of Mamata and conveyed a message asking him to “step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative” of the constituency to enable her to contest a by-election.“The aforesaid allegations are untrue,” Ganguly said.Calling the reports irresponsible, he said it was “extremely unfortunate” that no attempt Mamata to have been made to verify the allegations before publication. He further said the claims involving him had been made “in reckless disregard of the truth.” Ganguly also categorically denied acting as an intermediary for the TMC chief. “It is thus necessary to place on record that I was never requested/asked by Ms Mamata Banerjee to convey any message from her to Mr. Yusuf Pathan,” he added.
