Vijender Singh, India's pioneering Olympic boxing medalist, made headlines by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, a significant move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. His induction into the BJP was marked by a ceremony attended by the party's National General Secretary Vinod Tawde.
This decision came just a day after Singh had reshared a tweet from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he swiftly deleted these retweets upon joining the BJP.
Addressing his switch in allegiance, Singh emphasized his commitment to serving the nation and its people through his association with the BJP. He expressed his intention to contribute to the welfare of the citizens, stating, "I want to help more and more people."
Responding to queries about recent protests by wrestlers against the BJP, Singh asserted his stance on ethical principles, pledging to uphold truth and righteousness. He affirmed his dedication to empowering athletes and strengthening sports initiatives.
Singh's venture into politics began in April 2019 when he joined the Congress party. He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi but faced defeat against BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri. Despite this setback, Singh's name had been circulating as a potential Congress candidate from Mathura, a constituency currently held by BJP's Hema Malini.
Hailing from the influential Jat community, known for its political influence in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Singh's entry into BJP ranks adds a significant dynamic to the party's outreach efforts in these regions.
Singh's previous association with Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana further underscores his political journey and influence within certain circles. Several images of his participation alongside Rahul Gandhi during this event had gained traction on social media platforms.