Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took time off from a busy election schedule and was seen playing cricket with locals at a multi-purpose ground in Gujarat’s Porbandar.
Mandaviya, 51, is expected to contest his first Lok Sabha election from Porbandar.
Known as “Green MP” because he cycled to Parliament, the minister, wearing a black T-shirt, was seen bowling, batting and also fielding in the outfield.
At one point, the ball whizzes past the minister’s head as he jumps to catch it during his own bowling, the video shows. Dozens of cows rest around the border wall.
#WATCH | Health Minister and BJP leader Mansukh Mandaviya plays cricket with locals in Porbandar, Gujarat.
(Source: Manshukh Mandaviya office) pic.twitter.com/gdfTorBABr
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2024
A left-arm bowler and batsman, the Minister, who also holds the Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio, went to each player and shook hands with them after the match.
Mansukh Mandaviya created history by becoming the youngest MLA in Gujarat in 2002. In 2012, he became a member of the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. In 2016, he took on the role of Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways, Shipping and Chemicals and Fertilizers. He was re-elected to Rajya Sabha in 2018.
Mr Mandaviya, who is also a veterinarian, was given the healthcare portfolio in mid-2021 when the country was grappling with the Covid crisis.