Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia will join the Indian National Congress on Friday, September 6, ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. This decision comes just days after the two athletes met with Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, in New Delhi on September 4.
Before their decision to join the party, both Olympians also met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in the national capital. Kharge shared a picture from the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), expressing pride in their accomplishments. He wrote: “Meeting our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia who have made India proud in the world at 10 Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you.”
Phogat and Punia were part of the group of wrestlers who had protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP MP and then chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. They accused Singh of harassing several junior wrestlers, sparking national attention.
Following their meeting with Gandhi, opposition figures voiced their views. Union Minister and BJP MP Manohar Lal Khattar commented: “I think our athletes got trapped in a political maze during the protests. What started back then is reaching its climax now. The wrestlers’ protests were politically motivated. These people are seeking a ticket from the Congress. This confirms there is a political nexus.”
Also read: Vinesh Phogat Resigns From Railways; Poised For Political Move With Congress
The Congress party hopes to benefit from anti-incumbency sentiment in the state. The addition of Phogat and Punia to the party’s candidate list could help them garner Jat community votes in Haryana.
In a separate development, Vinesh Phogat announced her resignation from her role in the Indian Railways on Friday. Sharing her decision on X, she wrote: “At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from the railway service and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities. I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family.”
The Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 5, 2024, with the counting of votes set for October 8.
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