Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead Of Haryana Assembly Polls

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party, making a significant move in the political landscape of Haryana just weeks before the state assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. Their decision follows a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 4, where discussions about their political future took place.

On September 6, Phogat and Punia met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in New Delhi before formally joining the party at its headquarters. Kharge expressed pride in their achievements, stating, “Chak de India, Chak de Haryana!” on social media, highlighting their contributions to Indian sports.

Both athletes have been vocal figures in the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment. Their involvement in these protests has raised their profiles significantly, and there is speculation that they may contest in the upcoming elections.

Phogat, who recently resigned from her position in the Indian Railways, described her time there as “memorable and proud,” while Punia also stepped down from his role in the Northern Railways, citing personal reasons. Their entry into Congress is seen as a potential boost for the party, particularly in garnering support from the Jat community in Haryana, as the Congress engages in negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding seat-sharing for the elections.