Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead Of Haryana Polls

Ahead of the Haryana Assembly election, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Friday (6 September) joined the Congress party.

Congress is likely to field both of them in the upcoming Assembly election in Haryana, voting for which will take place on 5 October.

Ahead of formally joining Congress, Phogat and Punia met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

"Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia who have made India proud in the world at 10 Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you," Kharge said in a post on X.

Phogat is likely to contest from the Julana constituency, currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party, while Punia may be fielded from Badli seat, which Congress won in the last election, NDTV had reported.

The two athletes had a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on 4 August.

Phogat's deep connection with Haryana’s farming community—many of whom continue to protest against the BJP over issues like minimum support prices (MSP)—was likely a key factor in Congress’ decision to induct her.

Earlier, she visited protesting farmers at Shambhu, near the Haryana-Delhi border, and described herself as "your daughter" and expressed hope that they receive justice soon.

"Your agitation completes 200 days today. I pray to God that you get what you came for - justice. Your daughter stands with you. I also urge the government... we too are citizens of India and just because we raise our voices it is not political," she said.

She urged the government to hear the agitating farmers' demands.

Phogat and Punia gained widespread attention last year when they led protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, the former chief of India's wrestling body, who is facing charges of sexual assault and intimidation.

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