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Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Finally Step into the Political Arena; A Direct Contest Awaits
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New Delhi, September 6: After weeks of speculation about their political future, renowned Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Indian National Congress (INC) on Friday, marking a significant move ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Both athletes met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge before making their formal announcement. Their entry into politics has sparked widespread attention, given their prominence not only in the sports world but also for their roles in leading protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
A New Chapter in Public Service
Speaking to the media after joining Congress, Vinesh Phogat expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the public and the media. “I hope to live up to everyone’s expectations. I am grateful to the Congress for standing with us. In difficult times, you learn who truly supports you, and I am happy to be joining a party that stands for women and is ready to fight for them,” Phogat said. She also touched upon her efforts to promote sports among young girls and her continued commitment to wrestling despite attempts by the BJP’s IT cell to undermine her career.
Phogat highlighted her ongoing legal battle against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI president who faces allegations of sexual harassment. “The fight is not over. The case is still in court, and we will not back down. We are here to serve the country,” she declared. She further noted that political parties, apart from the BJP, had supported the wrestlers during their protests, recalling how they were “dragged on the streets” while fighting for justice.
Congress Welcomes Phogat and Punia
K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary of the Congress, hailed the addition of Phogat and Punia as a proud moment for the party. He spoke emotionally about Phogat’s resilience, recounting how her father was tragically shot dead when she was just nine years old. “Her bravery has brought her to this stage,” Venugopal said, noting that Phogat’s disqualification in international competitions was a moment that saddened not just her but the entire nation.
Venugopal also addressed criticism that their entry into politics was part of a larger Congress conspiracy. “Athletes have joined political parties before. Is that a conspiracy too?” he asked rhetorically, dismissing the accusations.
A Potential Candidacy in the Haryana Elections
Phogat and Punia’s decision to join Congress has fueled speculation about their potential candidacy in the Haryana Assembly elections. According to Congress insiders, Phogat is likely to contest from either the Julana or Dadri constituency, while Punia is eyeing the Badli seat. Talks between the wrestlers and Congress leadership are still ongoing regarding their exact roles in the upcoming polls.
On Wednesday, the two athletes met with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, where discussions about their future political careers were reportedly held. Their move to join Congress comes amid ongoing discussions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress about forming an alliance in Haryana. A senior Congress leader confirmed that talks between the top leadership of both parties are progressing and a decision is expected soon.
Resignation from Indian Railways
In the afternoon following her induction into Congress, Phogat resigned from her position at Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud part of my life,” Phogat wrote on X (formerly Twitter), posting a picture of her resignation letter. “At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from railway service and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities.”
Political Support from the Congress
Phogat’s association with the Congress is not new. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, one of the first political leaders to publicly support her during her protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, welcomed her at Delhi’s IGI Airport with a symbolic ‘Hanuman Gada’ (mace) following her return from international competitions. Hooda had been a vocal advocate for the wrestlers’ cause and actively participated in the agitation led by Phogat and other Haryana-based wrestlers.
Phogat also met with former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who had earlier remarked that the Congress welcomed anyone who wished to join their cause. This latest development signals the Congress’s intent to boost its profile in Haryana, particularly by aligning with influential athletes and public figures as it gears up for the assembly polls.
As the Haryana elections approach, the entry of Phogat and Punia into the political arena could reshape the political dynamics in the state, especially in constituencies with strong wrestling communities. Their leadership and activism may play a crucial role in rallying public support for the Congress, as the party seeks to regain ground in the state.
