In a significant political move, celebrated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress Party and are set to contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The two athletes, both 30 years old, met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier on Wednesday, marking their formal entry into the political arena.
Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, is expected to challenge the Jannayak Janta Party’s Amarjeet Dhanda for the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia, an Olympic bronze medalist, will defend the Congress’ hold on the Badli constituency.
Their decision to join the Congress comes at a crucial time when the party is not only nominating its candidates but is also involved in delicate seat-sharing negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the elections.
The entry of these high-profile wrestlers is poised to strengthen the Congress’ position, particularly in the context of the ongoing talks with AAP. Some Congress leaders in Haryana have expressed reservations about forming an alliance with the AAP, but the inclusion of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia could bolster the party’s negotiating power.
Sources have hinted at an ‘in-principle’ agreement between the Congress and AAP, both members of the INDIA bloc, which was formed to present a united opposition front ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
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Despite the alliance’s relative inactivity in recent state elections, Rahul Gandhi is keen to solidify cooperation, understanding that a united opposition stands a better chance against the BJP, whether at the state or national level.
The alliance talks are still in progress, with AAP reportedly seeking to contest 10 of Haryana’s 90 seats. The Congress, however, has been hesitant to concede more than seven seats, excluding one expected to be allocated to the Samajwadi Party, another member of the INDIA bloc.
Vinesh Phogat’s Farmer Connection: A Strategic Advantage
For the Congress, Phogat’s strong connection with Haryana’s farming community is seen as a strategic advantage. The BJP, which has ruled Haryana since 2014, continues to face backlash from farmers over issues such as the legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Phogat’s recent visit to a farmer protest site on the Haryana-Delhi border, where she referred to herself as “your daughter,” underscores her appeal among this key voter demographic.
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During her visit, Vinesh Phogat expressed solidarity with the protesting farmers, saying, “Your agitation completes 200 days today. I pray to God that you get what you came for – justice. Your daughter stands with you.”
Phogat’s deep-rooted connection with the farmers and her visible activism against the BJP’s policies add a significant boost to Congress’ efforts to win over voters in the state.
A History of Activism: Phogat and Punia’s Fight Against Brij Bhushan Singh
Both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have previously made headlines for their activism, notably leading protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who faced charges of sexual assault and intimidation.
Brij Bhushan Singh, a three-time BJP MP, was denied a ticket to contest the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh amid widespread criticism, leading to his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, running in his place and winning the seat.
As Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia prepare to transition from the wrestling mat to the political stage, their high-profile activism and strong public image are likely to make them formidable candidates in the Haryana Assembly elections.
The Congress is banking on their popularity and the public’s trust in their integrity to secure crucial victories in the upcoming polls. With the Haryana elections fast approaching, all eyes will be on how these two athletes-turned-politicians influence the state’s political landscape.
