Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Resign from Railways to Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Polls

Northern Railway accepts resignations of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, as both join Congress ahead of Haryana Assembly elections. Phogat to contest from Julana, while Punia appointed working president of All India Kisan Congress.

In a notable development, the Northern Railway on Monday accepted the resignations of wrestlers and Congress leaders Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. This follows their decision to step down ahead of their official entry into the Congress party, which occurred on Friday, just a month prior to the Haryana Assembly polls.

Shortly after joining the party, Phogat was announced as the Congress candidate for the Julana Assembly Constituency. Concurrently, Punia was appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress. Confirming her resignation from the Indian Railway, Phogat expressed her gratitude on her official X handle, acknowledging the opportunities provided by the railway service.

"At this juncture in my life, I have decided to separate myself from the railway service and submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of Indian Railways. I will always be thankful to the Indian Railways family for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation," Phogat stated. As she prepares to contest the upcoming elections, Phogat affirmed her confidence in winning the Julana seat and emphasized the overwhelming support from the public. Addressing a public meeting in Jind, she thanked the Congress party for its support and recalled Priyanka Gandhi's solidarity with wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.

The Haryana legislative assembly elections will be held on October 5, with the nomination deadline set for September 12. Vote counting will occur on October 8. In the 2019 assembly polls, BJP emerged as the largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)