In a strategic and symbolic move that could have significant ramifications ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, celebrated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress party on Friday. This highly anticipated event took place at a press conference in Delhi, where senior Congress leader KC Venugopal welcomed the athletes into the party. Their induction follows a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on September 4, signaling not just their personal transition into politics but also a major endorsement of the Congress party’s agenda as it gears up for the upcoming elections.
Vinesh Phogat, who has been a vocal advocate for justice and women’s rights, expressed her pride in joining the Congress. She credited the party for its steadfast support during a crucial time when she and her fellow wrestlers were protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former BJP MP and ex-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), who they accused of sexually harassing young female wrestlers. "I am proud to join the Congress, the party that stood by us when others turned their backs. During our most difficult times, when we were fighting for justice on the streets, it was the Congress party that supported us, especially when we were being dragged by the police during protests," Phogat said in a powerful statement. Her words struck a chord with many who followed the wrestlers' struggle for justice, positioning her and Bajrang Punia as not just athletes but also champions of the people.
Bajrang Punia, another prominent face of Indian wrestling and a celebrated Olympian, echoed Phogat's sentiments, reiterating the importance of standing with a party that values principles of justice, equality, and support for athletes. Their decision to join the Congress came as no surprise to political analysts, who see their entry into politics as a carefully timed move to galvanize support for the party in the Haryana elections, where the Jat vote plays a crucial role. Phogat and Punia, both from Haryana, enjoy immense popularity, particularly within the Jat community, and their alignment with Congress could tip the scales in favor of the party in key constituencies.
The wrestlers’ high-profile protest against Brij Bhushan Singh had caught national attention earlier in the year, with numerous opposition parties, civil society groups, and women’s organizations extending support to the cause. Their protest was not just about individual justice but was seen as part of a broader fight against the misuse of power and the need for accountability within India’s sports administration. Phogat, in her address after joining Congress, made it clear that her decision to enter politics was motivated by her desire to continue this fight on a larger platform: "We fought for justice on the streets, and now we will continue that fight in the political arena. Congress gives us the platform to raise our voices for not just athletes but for all those who have been wronged."
In the backdrop of their political debut, BJP leaders have sought to downplay the wrestlers’ protests, with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar suggesting that the protests were politically motivated from the start. Khattar, speaking to the press, claimed that the athletes had been "trapped in a political web," and their recent move to Congress only confirmed his suspicions. "It is clear now that their protest was politically orchestrated. What began as a demand for justice has now transformed into a quest for political power," he said. His comments, however, did little to dampen the excitement surrounding the wrestlers' new political journey, as the Congress sees their induction as a major victory in the lead-up to the elections.
Adding further weight to this momentous day, Vinesh Phogat announced her resignation from the Indian Railways, where she had been employed. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Phogat called her time with the Railways a "memorable and proud chapter" of her life but said it was time to move on. She expressed gratitude to the Indian Railways for their support throughout her career and added, "This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s time for a new journey. I want to focus on the larger issues at hand, especially the fight for justice and equality, and this step allows me to do that with greater dedication." Her resignation is seen as a clear indication of her intention to commit fully to her political career and to bring her influence to bear on the upcoming elections.
The timing of Phogat and Punia’s entry into politics couldn’t be more crucial. The Haryana Assembly elections, scheduled for October 5, 2024, come at a time when the BJP is grappling with anti-incumbency sentiments in the state. The Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, is keen to capitalize on this opportunity, and the addition of two respected, high-profile athletes to their ranks is a major coup. Many within the party believe that Phogat and Punia’s popularity could help turn the tide in rural Haryana, where the Jat community holds significant political sway.
The wrestlers’ entry into Congress also aligns with the party’s broader strategy of positioning itself as the champion of marginalized groups and those wronged by the current administration. Their presence on the campaign trail is expected to energize the party’s voter base, particularly in constituencies where sporting achievements are highly revered.Â
With just a month left before the elections, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s political journey has only just begun. Their roles in the campaign are expected to go beyond just symbolic appearances, as both athletes have expressed a desire to engage deeply with the issues affecting Haryana, particularly in areas such as youth development, sports infrastructure, and gender equality. Their move into politics marks the beginning of a new chapter not only for their careers but also for the Congress party’s fight to regain political ground in Haryana. As the state heads to the polls, all eyes will be on how these two national heroes can impact the political landscape and whether their popularity on the field can translate into electoral success.
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