In a major political development, Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to join the Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. The announcement comes just days after their high-profile meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 4 in New Delhi. Their decision marks a significant moment as the Congress party prepares to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana.
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From Wrestling to Politics
Both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have been prominent figures in Indian sports, with multiple accolades in wrestling at international levels, including the Olympics. Their foray into politics is seen as a calculated move to leverage their popularity and influence, particularly among Haryana's youth and sports communities. The timing of their entry is crucial, as the state is gearing up for elections that could redefine its political landscape.
Sources suggest that the two athletes will be formally inducted into the Congress at an event at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. This development is expected to provide a boost to the Congress party, which is looking to regain power in Haryana after losing to the BJP in the last two assembly elections.
A Move Toward Unity
The entry of Phogat and Punia into Congress comes amidst talks of a potential alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana assembly elections. Haryana Congress in-charge Deepak Babaria recently confirmed that discussions with AAP, as well as other INDIA bloc allies like the Samajwadi Party and CPI(M), are ongoing. The involvement of these wrestlers in Congress is seen as a move to strengthen the party's hand in these negotiations and consolidate its position in the upcoming election.
Vinesh Phogat’s Advocacy for Farmers’ Rights
Vinesh Phogat has been a vocal supporter of farmers' rights, an issue that resonates deeply in Haryana, a state heavily reliant on agriculture. On August 31, she attended an event at the Shambhu border, where farmers were protesting for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). During the event, Phogat highlighted the critical role of farmers in sustaining not just the nation but also athletes like herself. Her involvement with the farmers' movement adds a layer of credibility to her political journey, aligning her with the concerns of Haryana's agrarian population.
Family Ties and Diverging Paths
Interestingly, the political affiliations of the Phogat family seem to be diverging. While Vinesh Phogat is set to join the Congress, her cousin, Babita Phogat, is a BJP leader. Babita recently reiterated her commitment to the BJP, stating that "the party is bigger than the individual and the country supersedes everything." Despite not being among the BJP's candidates for the upcoming election, she expressed gratitude to the people of her constituency, Charkhi Dadri, and vowed to continue serving them.
Wrestling’s Role in Politics
The transition of wrestlers into politics is not without precedent. However, the involvement of Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India's former president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has given their political stance a unique dimension. Their advocacy for women's rights and their stand against alleged sexual harassment in sports have resonated widely, adding to their stature as public figures.
The entry of these Olympians into politics could influence not just the outcome of the Haryana elections but also the broader narrative of athlete activism in India.
Haryana's Political Landscape
The Haryana assembly elections, scheduled for October 5, are set to be a closely contested affair. The BJP, which has been in power for two consecutive terms, faces a stiff challenge from the Congress and other regional parties. The entry of Phogat and Punia into the Congress fold could add a new dynamic to the electoral battle, especially in constituencies where sports and agriculture play a significant role in shaping public opinion.
The Congress is expected to field Vinesh Phogat as a candidate from Haryana's Julana constituency, currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). The upcoming election will test whether these sports icons can translate their popularity on the wrestling mat into political success.
Conclusion
As the political scenario in Haryana heats up, the entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into the Congress party adds an intriguing twist to the election narrative. Their involvement in both social causes and sports gives them a unique platform to influence voters. With alliances still being negotiated and the stakes higher than ever, the Haryana assembly elections are poised to be a defining moment for both the state's political future and the role of sports personalities in Indian politics.