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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party, injecting a fresh wave of energy and potential into the state's political landscape. Both Olympians, who had spearheaded the protests against alleged sexual assault and intimidation by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year, were officially welcomed into the Congress fold by party President Mallikarjun Kharge at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The move underscores the Congress's strategic approach to galvanize public support, particularly among the influential farmer community, ahead of the crucial polls.
Ms. Phogat and Mr. Punia, both prominent figures in Indian wrestling, have resonated with the public for their courage and resilience in demanding justice for themselves and other athletes. They had earlier met with senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, indicating their growing affinity with the Congress's ideology and vision. Speaking at the event, Ms. Phogat emphasized the importance of having a party that stands by individuals in times of need. She expressed her gratitude for the Congress's support during their protests, highlighting that other parties, except the BJP, had shown solidarity and understanding for their struggles.
Mr. Punia, echoing Ms. Phogat's sentiments, criticized the BJP's lack of support during their protests, asserting that the Congress had provided unwavering backing without being asked. He pointed out that BJP MPs had disregarded letters seeking their support, further emphasizing the perceived political divide in their actions. While no official announcement has been made yet, Ms. Phogat is widely expected to contest the Julana constituency, currently held by the Jannayak Janta Party, while Mr. Punia is likely to be fielded from the Badli seat.
The Congress leadership is optimistic about the impact of Ms. Phogat and Mr. Punia's entry on their electoral prospects. Ms. Phogat, especially, is seen as a popular figure among farmers, a significant voting bloc in Haryana. The Congress hopes to leverage the farmers' discontent with the BJP's policies to their advantage. Additionally, the arrival of the wrestlers is expected to strengthen the Congress's position in its negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding seat-sharing for the Assembly elections. While an alliance between the Congress and AAP has been announced, there have been reported disagreements on the number of seats each party should contest. Rahul Gandhi, however, has reportedly pushed for a unified approach to maximize their chances against the BJP.
The political landscape in Haryana is witnessing a flurry of activity as the state gears up for elections. The BJP, which has been in power since 2014, is facing internal challenges as well, with the recent resignation of Energy Minister Ranjit Chautala and MLA Lakshman Napa due to denied tickets. Both have announced their intentions to contest independently, with Mr. Napa even indicating a possible shift to the Congress party. The Congress, emboldened by its recent success in securing five out of the ten Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, is looking to capitalize on the BJP's internal strife and capitalize on the momentum generated by the arrival of the wrestlers. The upcoming Haryana Assembly elections promise to be fiercely contested, with the Congress hoping to capitalize on the support of the wrestlers and the farmers' anger against the BJP to challenge the incumbent government.
Source: "When We Were Dragged On Roads...": Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Join Congress