Top Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Elections
In a significant political move, India’s renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party as of Wednesday, September 4, in anticipation of the Haryana Assembly elections. Their induction into the party was marked by a meeting with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, occurring just a day after the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) finalized the list of candidates for the upcoming October 5 elections.
Vinesh Phogat is set to contest the Julana seat, currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), while Bajrang Punia will run for the Congress from the Badli seat. Both wrestlers have been at the forefront of a year-long protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexual assault against athletes.
Phogat’s move to Congress comes after a turbulent period following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to weight issues. Her return to India was marked by significant political attention, including a welcome by Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda. Phogat and her husband, Somvir Rathee, recently visited the Hooda family residence in Delhi, signaling growing political connections.
In parallel, Congress is engaged in discussions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding a pre-poll alliance. Sources indicate that the Congress Central Election Committee has shortlisted 59 candidates, including 27 of the party’s 28 sitting legislators. AAP is reportedly seeking at least 10 seats in the alliance, while Congress is offering seven. This negotiation has drawn criticism from the ruling BJP, which has labeled the potential alliance as a sign of weakness.
The Haryana Assembly elections are slated for October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. The political landscape is evolving rapidly as key figures and parties position themselves for a pivotal electoral contest.
