New Delhi: Renowned wrestler and acting chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Bajrang Punia, faced a death threat on Sunday through a WhatsApp message from an international number. The sender warned Punia to quit Congress or face severe consequences. The message read, “Bajrang, quit Congress, or it will not be good for you and your family. This is our last message. Before the elections, we will show you who we are. Complain wherever you want, this is our first and last warning.”Punia immediately lodged a complaint at the Bahalgarh police station in Sonipat. Local authorities have begun investigating the source of the threat.Punia, Phogats New Role in CongressOlympic medalist Bajrang Punia and fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who were at the forefront of the protests against former BJP MP and ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, recently entered politics. On September 6, the two wrestlers officially joined Congress with a firm commitment to continue fighting for justice. Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the Congress farmers unit, while Phogat received a party ticket to contest in the upcoming Julana assembly elections.The two athletes met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence before making the formal announcement at the AICC headquarters, in the presence of several senior Congress leaders. After joining Congress, Phogat criticised the BJP for supporting Singh, highlighting how Congress stood by the protesting wrestlers during their struggle in Delhi.Political Tensions and Upcoming ElectionsThe protest led by Phogat and Punia in 2023 raised serious allegations of sexual harassment against Singh. Their entry into politics marks a crucial moment ahead of the Haryana state elections. With polling scheduled for October 5 and vote counting on October 8, tensions are high as both athletes prepare to make a significant impact in the political arena.
