Olympian Wrestlers Join Congress in Major Boost Ahead of Haryana Elections

With Haryana Assembly elections approaching, Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have joined the Congress, giving the party a significant boost. They were joined in the presence of Congress leaders including KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera, signaling a pivotal moment for the upcoming electoral battle.

In a significant political development just ahead of the Haryana Assembly election, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have joined the Congress party. Their induction took place with key Congress leaders such as general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, and AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, in attendance.

Following her induction, Vinesh Phogat spoke passionately about the ongoing battle for justice, stating, "The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in Court. We will win that fight as well... With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation." She added, "When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad'."

Both athletes had been vocal during last year's protests against sexual harassment allegations levied against former BJP MP and then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "Today is a big day for the INC. It's a proud moment for all of us as we welcome Vinesh Phogat ji and Bajrang Punia ji to our Congress family," said KC Venugopal.

Earlier in the day, the wrestlers met with Congress national President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in the national capital. This shift comes as the state gears up for the October 5 polling for the 90-member Haryana Assembly, with vote counting scheduled on October 8.

As part of their new political journey, both wrestlers resigned from their positions in Northern Railways earlier today. Bajrang Punia is a Tokyo Games bronze medallist, while Vinesh Phogat made history as the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final. Phogat recently announced her retirement from the sport following her disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games due to a minor weigh-in issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)