New Delhi, 06-09-2024: Wrestling champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, putting an end to widespread speculation about their political future. The duo met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence before being formally inducted at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. The event was attended by senior party figures, including KC Venugopal, AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation, Haryana Congress president Uday Bhan, and Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Deepak Babaria.
During the press conference, Venugopal claimed that Vinesh Phogat had been issued a notice by the Indian Railways, accusing her of violating service rules after meeting Rahul Gandhi. He condemned the move, questioning if it was a crime for a sportsperson to meet the opposition leader, and urged the Railways not to politicize the issue. Phogat, after officially joining the Congress, expressed her gratitude to the party for its support during the wrestlers’ protests earlier in 2023. She highlighted how the Congress had stood by them when they were allegedly mistreated during their protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced sexual harassment allegations.
Phogat emphasized that her new political journey was driven by a desire to ensure that no sportsperson would have to face the kind of struggle she and her fellow wrestlers endured. She also expressed confidence in their ongoing court case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and vowed not to back down.
Venugopal praised the wrestlers’ entry into the party, describing it as a proud moment for Congress. He underscored the public support for Phogat and Punia during their protests, mentioning how Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stood by them. Addressing criticism about their decision to join Congress, Venugopal pointed out that several athletes and Olympians have entered politics without controversy, calling into question the motives behind the criticism.
Though there has been speculation about Phogat or Punia contesting the upcoming assembly polls, the final decision will be made by the party’s Central Election Committee. Phogat also announced her resignation from her Indian Railways job, citing personal reasons.
Both wrestlers previously met Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week, and the Congress shared their photograph with the leader on its official social media platform. As Haryana prepares for elections, where 90 seats will be contested on October 5, the inclusion of high-profile athletes like Phogat and Punia into the Congress fold is seen as a significant boost for the party’s campaign.
The Congress is also currently engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Haryana elections. Voting is scheduled for October 5, with results to be announced on October 8.
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