Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia join Congress ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections

NEW DELHI: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress Party on Friday at the party’s headquarters, marking a significant political shift ahead of the Haryana assembly elections on October 5.

The Olympians, who just resigned from Indian Railways, were welcomed into the party by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, spokesperson Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chairman Udai Bhan, and AICC Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria.

Phogat, speaking at the event, expressed her gratitude to the Congress Party, saying, “In bad times, you find out who stands by you. When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except BJP supported us. I am proud to join a party that fights for women, from the streets to Parliament.”

Bajrang Punia was also seen sharing similar sentiments, stating that Congress had stood by them during their struggles and promising to bring the same dedication to politics that they showed in wrestling. He said, “The day the final was held, the entire country was in a state of shock. The following three incidents were very tragic. However, some IT cells made the situation worse, which is deeply unfortunate for the country. “

Both athletes were the key figures of last year’s protest against sexual harassment allegations involving former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Their participation in the protests was to seek justice for women athletes and fight against women’s harassment and equal participation in sports.

Punia added, “The entire nation should reflect on those who are standing with its workers, women, farmers, and youth, and should support the victims. I want to say that we will stand united and strong with Congress in the fight against terrorism. Moreover, we will always raise our voices against the oppression of women and continue to fight for them.”

Phogat, who narrowly missed qualifying for the gold medal match at the recent Paris Olympics, and Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games, are now finally starting their much anticipated political journey.

Phogat also said that her new role in politics is an opportunity to serve the nation and ensure no other sportsperson faces the struggles they did.

Although Congress’ Central Election Committee has yet to finalise their candidacy, the wrestlers are expected to contest in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, a crucial move for the party.