Will join 'Clean India' drive, not politics: Sourav Ganguly

Kolkata, Dec 25 (IANS) Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly Thursday accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for his participation in the Clean India Mission, but quashed rumours of joining politics.

"It is a noble cause. When I return, I will get to know what is needed to be done and will act accordingly," Ganguly told a TV channel over the phone from Australia, a day ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

"India is a large country and problems are there because of the big population. Hygiene is important," Ganguly said.

However, the cricket legend quashed rumours of foraying into politics. "I have said earlier also that I am not interested in politics."

Modi Thursday nominated more people to the Clean India Mission, including former Indian police service officer Kiran Bedi, Ganguly, danseuse Sonal Mansingh and the famous 'dabbawalas' of Mumbai.

Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya, comedian Kapil Sharma, Eenadu group, Arun Puri and his India Today Group, and Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants are the other nominees Modi made for the mission Thursday.