When we were dragged on the roads: What has Vinesh Phogat said after joining Congress?

Both athletes stressed their dedication to working for the people of India with the same intensity they exhibited in their wrestling careers.

Edited By: Top Indian News Desk

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

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress Party. (X/kharge)

New Delhi: In a significant political move just weeks before the Haryana Assembly elections, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress Party. Both Olympians, who spearheaded last year's protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week. On Friday, they officially joined the party after a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence.

Vinesh Phogat expressed gratitude

Kharge expressed pride in the athletes, tweeting, "Chak de India, Chak de Haryana!" and acknowledging their contributions to making India proud on the global stage. Vinesh Phogat, speaking at the Congress headquarters in Delhi, thanked the party for standing with her during tough times and expressed her commitment to work for the welfare of the country, particularly women.

चक दे इंडिया, चक दे हरियाणा!

दुनिया में भारत का नाम रौशन करने वाले हमारे प्रतिभाशाली चैंपियन विनेश फोगाट और बजरंग पुनिया से 10 राजाजी मार्ग पर मुलाक़ात।

हमें आप दोनों पर गर्व है। pic.twitter.com/aFRwfFeeo1
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 6, 2024

Bajrang Punia, echoing similar sentiments, highlighted the Congress's support during their protests against injustice. Both athletes stressed their dedication to working for the people of India with the same intensity they exhibited in their wrestling careers.

Athletes to boost Congress's stand

While no official announcements have been made, reports suggest that Phogat might contest from the Julana constituency, while Punia could run from the Badli seat in the Haryana Assembly elections. Phogat recently resigned from her position in the Northern Railways, marking a shift in her career toward politics.

Their entry is expected to bolster the Congress's standing in the state, particularly among farmers, a key voting bloc in Haryana. The Congress aims to use this momentum to challenge the ruling BJP, hoping to benefit from the growing dissatisfaction among farmers and the general public

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When we were dragged on the roads: What has Vinesh Phogat said after joining Congress?