Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Elections

From the Wrestling Mat to the Political Arena 

Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress party on Friday, September 6th. This dramatic shift comes just a month before Haryana's Assembly elections, scheduled for October 5th. 

The wrestlers' decision to join Congress wasn't made lightly. Both Vinesh and Bajrang resigned from their positions as OSD Sports in the Railways before making the switch. They cited the support they received from opposition parties, particularly Congress, during their protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) earlier this year.

Vinesh Phogat, visibly emotional during the joining ceremony, said, "It's during tough times that you learn who stands by you. When we were being dragged on the streets during our protest, every party except the BJP was with us." 

Potential Candidates and Campaign Roles

While official announcements are pending, sources within the Congress party suggest that Vinesh Phogat is likely to contest from the Julana seat in Jind district. She's expected to file her nomination on September 11th.

Bajrang Punia's role seems to be taking a different shape. While he had expressed interest in the Badli seat in Jhajjar, the party is considering giving him a broader responsibility as a star campaigner. There's also talk of Punia being given an organizational role within the party.

The Road Ahead and Challenges

The entry of these star athletes into politics isn't without its controversies. The BJP, their former party, has accused them of being "victims of Congress politics." Chief Minister Nayab Saini stated, "We gave Vinesh respect. Our daughter is our pride."= Meanwhile, the Railways has issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat regarding her recent meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the complex transition from athlete to politician.

The wrestlers' decision to join Congress is closely tied to their prolonged protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment. Their 140-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi had drawn national attention and political support from various quarters.

As Haryana gears up for a heated election season, the addition of these sporting icons to the Congress camp adds a new dimension to the political contest. The Haryana Story will continue to bring you updates on this developing story and its impact on the upcoming elections.

Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of Haryana's evolving political landscape as we approach the October 5th polls.