Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is making headlines once more, this time not for his legendary cricketing feats but for his active participation in the democratic process of his homeland. On Saturday, June 1, during the seventh phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Singh cast his vote in his hometown of Jalandhar. The 43-year-old cricketer, who is also a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took this opportunity to urge the citizens of Jalandhar to come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Harbhajan Singh emphasized the importance of ending VIP culture in India, particularly when it comes to fundamental democratic acts such as voting. “I expect people to come out in large numbers to vote. I want to see maximum polling in Jalandhar,” Singh said. He stressed that it is everyone’s duty to vote and to help elect a government that works for the people. “There should be no VIP culture when exercising constitutional rights; everyone should queue up to vote. If one can stand in a queue for a langar, then one can stand here too,” he added.
The legendary cricketer has always been vocal about issues close to his heart, and this time, his focus was on encouraging greater public participation in the democratic process. Harbhajan Singh has been a revered figure not just for his cricketing prowess but also for his straightforward and honest opinions. His call for the end of VIP culture resonates well with his larger philosophy of equality and justice.
Singh’s cricketing career spanned nearly two decades, during which he became one of the most effective and feared off-spinners in the history of the game. He officially retired in December 2021, leaving behind a legacy adorned with numerous awards and records. Notably, he was one of the finest exponents of the ‘doosra,’ a delivery designed to deceive even the most skilled batsmen.
Harbhajan debuted in Test cricket for India against Australia in March 1998 in Bengaluru. Over the years, he played 103 Tests, claiming a staggering 417 wickets.
. His illustrious Test career included 25 five-wicket hauls and five instances where he took ten wickets in a match. His last appearance in a Test match for India was against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2015.
In addition to his Test career, Singh also made significant contributions to India’s white-ball cricket. He featured in 236 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 19 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), taking 269 and 18 wickets respectively. His final international appearance was against the UAE in an Asia Cup T20I match in Mirpur on March 3, 2016.
Apart from international cricket, Harbhajan Singh was a noted player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played 163 matches in the league, representing teams like the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Throughout his IPL career, he claimed 150 wickets, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.08.
As Harbhajan Singh transitions from cricket to public service, he remains a powerful voice in advocating for social change and public accountability. His recent comments on the significance of voting participation and the need to abandon VIP culture reflect his dedication to serving the community and influencing positive change.
The Lok Sabha elections, being one of the world’s largest democratic exercises, involve millions of voters selecting their representatives for the Indian Parliament. Harbhajan Singh’s active participation highlights the critical role public figures can play in motivating citizens to fulfill their civic duties. His call for an end to VIP culture aligns with broader efforts to foster a more inclusive and participatory democracy in India.
Harbhajan Singh’s journey from the cricket pitch to the political arena continues to inspire many. As he advocates for a more democratic society, his actions serve as a potent reminder of the power individuals hold to shape the future of their country. With elections being a lynchpin of democratic governance, Singh’s message is particularly poignant: every vote counts, and it is the collective responsibility of the citizenry to ensure a government by the people, for the people.
