Delhi: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat join Congress at AICC headquarters | WATCH

The announcement comes amid growing anticipation about their formal entry into the party, which could enhance the Congress’s appeal and outreach, especially in Haryana. The involvement of such high-profile sports figures could potentially energize the party’s base and create a notable impact on the upcoming political landscape.

Edited By: Satyam Singh

Last Updated : 06 September 2024, 05:04 PM IST

Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat present on the stage with Congress general secretary KC Venugopal. (X/ANI)

New Delhi: Ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Friday. The formal announcement came during a press briefing in Delhi, where Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, along with other party leaders, welcomed the wrestlers into the fold. This development follows a meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week.

Proud moment for Phogat

Expressing her pride in joining Congress, Vinesh Phogat highlighted the party’s support for women. "I thank the Congress party. We know very well who supported us genuinely during our bad times. When we were being dragged on the roads during the wrestlers' protest, all other parties were silent, except for the BJP," she said.

Today is a big day for the INC. It's a proud moment for all of us as we welcome Vinesh Phogat ji and Bajrang Punia ji to our Congress family.

: AICC General Secy (Org.) Shri @kcvenugopalmp pic.twitter.com/zaxe3r0SZn
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 6, 2024

Phogat and Punia were key figures in the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, accused of harassment. Phogat vowed that the fight against Singh would continue in court, stating, "I stand with every woman who finds herself helpless. I could have quit wrestling, but God had different plans for me."

Punia slams BJP

Bajrang Punia echoed Phogat's sentiments, accusing the BJP of turning its back on the wrestlers and celebrating their struggles. "When Vinesh reached the final match, the entire country was happy. When she was disqualified, the BJP IT cell was celebrating," Punia said, criticizing the ruling party for its lack of support.

मैं सभी का धन्यवाद देता हूं।

हम अन्याय के खिलाफ साथ मिलकर लड़ेंगे और हर संघर्ष में कांग्रेस के साथ खड़े रहेंगे।

हमने महिला पहलवानों पर हो रहे अन्याय के खिलाफ BJP की महिला सांसदों को पत्र लिखा था, लेकिन कोई हमारे साथ खड़ा नहीं हुआ।

लेकिन कांग्रेस हर मोड़ पर हमारे साथ खड़ी रही।… pic.twitter.com/VSMowHH8LV
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 6, 2024

Congress rallies behind wrestlers

KC Venugopal praised Phogat and Punia for their contributions to Indian sports, stating, "The entire country stood with them during their protests. Congress stood with the wrestlers when no one else did." He also condemned the Railways for politicizing Phogat's resignation and urged authorities to accept it.

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