Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to join the Congress party today, amid speculation about their potential roles in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The two athletes are expected to make their move at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi around 2:30 pm.
Key Points:
- Political Move: Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are joining Congress, with Phogat reportedly set to contest the Haryana Assembly elections. Punia will join the party but will not run for office in this election.
- Previous Meetings: On September 4, both wrestlers met with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and party General Secretary KC Venugopal. The Congress party has shared a photograph of this meeting on its official social media handle.
- Background: Both Phogat and Punia were prominent figures in the protest against former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations in 2023.
- Recent Developments: Vinesh Phogat, who recently retired from wrestling after missing a medal at the Paris Olympics due to being overweight, has been actively involved in discussions about entering politics. Her decision to contest the Haryana Assembly elections has been confirmed by a close relative.
- Election Schedule: The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with vote counting set for October 8. This adjustment in the election timetable was made by the Election Commission of India to respect the Bishnoi community’s traditional observance of the Asoj Amavasya festival.
The Congress and AAP are also in negotiations over seat-sharing for the Haryana Assembly polls, with both sides engaging in hard bargaining.
