Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Set To Contest Haryana Polls As Congress Candidates

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Wednesday (4 September) will likely contest in the Haryana Assembly election set for next month as Congress candidates.

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 reported.

The two athletes had a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier in the day.

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.

Last week, 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 Mr 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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