Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia join Congress ahead of Haryana elections

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined Congress on Friday. The development comes two days after Phogat and Punia met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

National wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party on Friday. This move came just hours after Phogat announced her resignation from her position at the Indian Railways.

"With their talent, they have enhanced the pride of India all over the world," Haryana Congress Chief Udai Bhan said, welcoming them into the party.

The development comes two days after Phogat and Punia met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, sparking rumours surrounding their potential bid to contest the coming Assembly elections, scheduled for October 5.

 

Earlier today, news agency PTI had reported that both the wrestlers will join the party. "Both Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat will join the party on Friday. Whether one of them will contest or both would contest would become clear soon," an official had said.

 

 

According to media reports, Phogat is likely to contest from Julana while Punia is set for the Badli constituency as Congress candidates.

 

 

Why are Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia key for Congress?

Both wrestlers have been in the spotlight recently. Phogat, who was abruptly disqualified from the Paris Olympics in the 50-kg category, was received with a national wave of support. This came a year after Phogat and Punia were involved in a major political controversy over their protest against former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced accusations of sexual misconduct from several wrestlers during his tenure as the chief of the national wrestling body.

 

With their induction and potential election bid, the Congress is hoping to solidify its position in Haryana. Both Phogat and Punia have publicly expressed their support for the farmers' movement in Punjab-Haryana, which remains a major headache for the BJP, which is already struggling against anti-incumbency after 10 years of rule.

Haryana Lok Sabha elections results

This challenge became visible after the BJP lost five of ten Haryana seats to Congress in the June Lok Sabha elections. Congress made a strong comeback, securing 99 seats nationwide. The united efforts of the Opposition in the polls dented the BJP's chances of achieving a majority on its own, impacting its numbers in key states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

 

The Congress may try a similar strategy in Haryana as it is currently holding discussions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over a potential alliance to prevent the division of votes.