Jaipur:
Indian shooter and former Olympic silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore decided to take a shot at politics as he joined the BJP today after taking voluntary retirement from the Indian Army.
The 43-year-old Colonel entered politics, contending that "I must not back out when the nation is faced with a different kind of threat".
He joined BJP in the presence of party President Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi, whom he described as a "decisive" leader who should be given a chance to lead the country.
"I know politics and politicians are hated but I still believe in goodness of a heart that has selfless intentions. With the grace of god, I will make a difference," said Rathore, who had won silver medal in 2004 Athens Olympics in double trap shooting.
"For 23 years of my life I have served the nation in war and peace to the best of my ability. I am trained to fight by the finest Army of the world and so I must not back out when the nation is faced with a different kind of threat," he said in a statement.
Contending that he finds "very creditable leadership" at the helm of the BJP, he said the party has committed and strong grassroots cadre.
"India today needs decisive leadership and I see that leadership in Narendra Modi and Vasundhara Raje. Like a general that leads from the front, he (Modi) has galvanised a nation that had forgotten to believe. He deserves a chance, India deserves a chance and I am willing to soldier for India," he said.