Wrestling Champions Phogat and Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Polls

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. Phogat expressed gratitude towards the Congress for their support during difficult times. Both sportspersons have been vocal against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. It's undecided if they will contest the polls.

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress on Friday ahead of the Haryana assembly polls, with the party stating its Central Election Committee will decide if they will contest the elections.

Phogat and Punia were welcomed by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, spokesperson Pawan Khera, and Haryana Congress chief Uday Bhan. The two had previously met with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. During her speech, Phogat thanked the Congress for their support during challenging times, notably when they protested against former BJP MP and then Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations in 2023.

Phogat emphasized her desire to prevent other sportspersons from experiencing similar struggles. She expressed her intentions to serve the people of India in this new role, after resigning from the Indian Railways. Meanwhile, the Congress and AAP are engaged in seat-sharing discussions for the Haryana polls, scheduled for October 5, with the votes to be counted on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)