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The Indian political landscape witnessed a significant shift as renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party, a move fueled by their dissatisfaction with the ruling BJP's handling of their sexual harassment allegations against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Singh. The decision, made public on September 6, 2024, came ahead of the crucial Haryana Assembly polls, signaling a strategic maneuver by the Congress to garner support from a vocal segment of the population.
Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, voiced her disappointment with the BJP's response to the wrestlers' protest, stating that the party's actions were far from supportive. She accused the BJP of spreading misinformation during the protest, claiming that their careers were over and that they had no intention of participating in national competitions. However, Phogat refuted these claims, emphasizing her continued participation in both national and international events, including the Olympics. She underscored the sense of betrayal she felt, highlighting that every party except the BJP stood in solidarity with the wrestlers during their struggle, acknowledging their pain and tears.
Bajrang Punia, another prominent wrestler who joined Congress alongside Phogat, echoed her sentiments, criticizing the BJP's stance on the issue. He pointed out that while the BJP had invited women MPs to engage with the protesters, they ultimately failed to stand up for the daughters who were victims of alleged harassment. He accused the BJP's IT Cell of celebrating Phogat's unfortunate disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, further intensifying the criticism against the ruling party. In contrast, he commended the Congress party for its unwavering support during their protest, emphasizing its stance against the injustice faced by women.
Phogat expressed pride in joining the Congress party, highlighting its commitment to women's rights and its stance against injustices faced by women. She underscored the importance of finding allies during difficult times and pledged her support to all women facing adversity. While acknowledging her disqualification from the Olympics, she attributed it to God's plan, suggesting a philosophical perspective on the setback. This move marks a significant turning point in the political landscape, as it underscores the growing discontent among certain segments of society with the BJP's handling of sensitive issues like sexual harassment and its perceived lack of support for women's rights. The Congress party, by welcoming the wrestlers into its fold, hopes to leverage their popularity and influence to gain support among the electorate, particularly in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.
Source: When wrestlers were being dragged...: Congress's Vinesh Phogat attacks BJP