Wrestlers Join Congress as Haryana Elections Loom: Phogat Calls for Justice

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, after joining Congress before Haryana Assembly Elections, met ex-CM Bhupinder Hooda, emphasizing her fight for service and justice. BJP's Brij Bhushan Singh labeled her and Bajrang Punia as 'villains.' Both wrestlers have taken significant political roles within Congress ahead of the elections.

In a strategic move just before the Haryana Assembly Elections, wrestler Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress Party and met former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, expressing her new political journey as a battle for service and justice. Phogat recounted Hooda's support during her fight against ex-MP and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over a sexual harassment case. She praised Hooda's sports policies, which significantly benefited Haryana's youth.

Following her entry into the political arena, BJP leader Brij Bhushan Singh criticized Congress leaders and wrestlers Phogat and Bajrang Punia, calling them 'villains,' especially to athletes. Bhushan accused Phogat of breaking trial rules and Punia of using his wife for political mileage. These remarks have stirred further controversy as the wrestlers solidify their political positions.

As the Haryana elections draw near, Phogat was promptly fielded in the Julana constituency, while Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress. The upcoming elections will see voters cast their ballots on October 5, with results announced on October 8. In the previous 2019 elections, the BJP formed a coalition government with the JJP, but the alliance has since dissolved, setting the stage for a highly competitive election.

(With inputs from agencies.)