Bajrang Punia Joins Congress, Appointed Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress

Wrestler Bajrang Punia has joined the Congress and was immediately appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. He and wrestler Vinesh Phogat joined the party in the presence of Congress leaders ahead of Haryana assembly polls.

In a significant move ahead of the Haryana assembly polls, celebrated wrestler Bajrang Punia joined the Congress on Friday and was promptly appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. The appointment was confirmed in a press release by the party, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge approving the proposal.

Alongside Punia, fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat also joined the Congress. The duo was welcomed into the party by Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria. Both athletes had earlier resigned from their positions in Northern Railways.

Punia expressed his commitment to addressing various issues including those of farmers, athletes, laborers, and students. He stated, "I am glad that today I am standing with a party which has been fighting against injustice. Be it on issues of farmers, players, or the Agniveer scheme, it is the right of people to raise their voice against what is wrong."

The timing of their entry into the Congress is notable, coming just a month before the Haryana assembly polls. Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and Phogat, who became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final, bring significant recognition to the party. Voting for the 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled for October 5, with the counting of votes set for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)