Vinesh Phogat
Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. Vinesh Phogat also resigned from her position at the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The two met with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders in Delhi, and they had previously met with Rahul Gandhi on September 4.
Expressing pride in joining Congress, Vinesh Phogat said she was proud to align with a party willing to fight against atrocities on women. She thanked the public for their support during her wrestling career and highlighted that, aside from the BJP, all political parties understood their struggle during their protests. Bajrang Punia criticized the BJP, accusing them of supporting those who commit violence against women, and pledged to work hard for Congress and the country.
Both wrestlers had been part of the protest last year against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over sexual harassment allegations.
Phogat announced her retirement after her disqualification from the Olympics for being slightly overweight. In her resignation from Indian Railways, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country.
The Haryana assembly elections will be held on October 5, with vote counting on October 8. Congress is negotiating with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for a potential alliance, and other parties like the Samajwadi Party and CPI(M) have also shown interest in collaborating with Congress.
