In a significant political development, Indian wrestling stars Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress party on Friday afternoon. The two athletes made their entry into politics at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi. They have joined the party before the Haryana Assembly elections 2024, which are scheduled to take place next month. Both wrestlers are expected to contest the elections as Congress candidates.
Meeting with Rahul Gandhi And KC Venugopal
The decision of Phogat and Punia to join Congress followed a series of meetings with senior party leaders. On September 4, the two wrestlers met with Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president, and KC Venugopal, the party’s General Secretary. A photo of the meeting was shared by Congress on their official X account (formerly Twitter), fueling speculation about their political plans. This meeting hinted that their entry into Congress would happen soon, as both wrestlers have been politically active, especially after leading protests in 2023.
Role In Protests Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia gained national attention when they spearheaded protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP MP and the then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The protests, which took place in 2023, were over serious sexual harassment allegations against Singh. These protests played a critical role in raising awareness of the issues faced by athletes, especially women in the sports world.
Vinesh Phogat Resigns From Indian Railways
Vinesh Phogat recently made headlines after she announced her resignation from the Indian Railways, where she had served for several years. In a post on X, she wrote, “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. 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 for this opportunity to serve the nation.”
This resignation came at a time when rumors about Phogat’s political entry were growing, and it became clear that she was considering joining Congress. Her move away from the railways and into politics is expected to impact the upcoming elections significantly.
Vinesh Phogat: A Star In Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat has enjoyed an exceptional wrestling career, becoming the first woman wrestler from India to reach the Olympics final. However, her Olympic journey ended in disappointment as she was disqualified for being overweight by just 100 grams during the weigh-in for the 50-kg category. This incident led to her eventual retirement from the sport, but she remains a highly influential figure in Indian wrestling.
Despite her departure from wrestling, Phogat’s contributions to the sport, and her advocacy for athletes’ rights, have kept her in the public eye. Her decision to enter politics could help bring attention to sports-related issues in Haryana and across India.
Bajrang Punia’s Influence
Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, has also been a prominent figure in Indian wrestling. Like Phogat, Punia played a key role in the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. His entry into Congress ahead of the Haryana elections adds significant weight to the party’s campaign, especially in a state where sports figures hold considerable influence.
Political Impact Ahead Of Haryana Assembly Elections
The elections are expected to be highly competitive, with Congress looking to strengthen its position in the state. The wrestlers’ popularity and strong connection with the people of Haryana, particularly the youth, could prove to be a major advantage for Congress.
First Haryana Assembly Elections In 10 Years
These Assembly elections are the first in Haryana in nearly 10 years and also the first since the state’s special status under Article 370 was revoked in 2019. Elections will be held across 90 Assembly seats in three phases between September 18 and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8.
As Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia embark on their political journey, the focus will now shift to the impact their participation will have on the election results. Both athletes have a strong following, particularly in Haryana, and their entry into politics is expected to energize the Congress campaign. Their influence, combined with their history of advocating for athletes’ rights, makes them key players in the upcoming elections.
