New Delhi, September 6, 2024 – In a significant boost for the Congress party ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, celebrated Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have officially joined the party.
The announcement was made in the presence of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress Chief Udai Bhan, and AICC In-Charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria. Both wrestlers were previously prominent figures in the protests against former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations.
Following their induction, Vinesh Phogat expressed her continued commitment to the cause she has championed. “The fight is ongoing, and we will win it. With the new platform we have today, we aim to serve the nation,” Phogat stated. She also highlighted her pride in joining a party that supports women’s rights and stands ready to fight from “sadak to sansad” (from streets to parliament).
Congress leader KC Venugopal celebrated the addition of Punia and Phogat to the party, calling it a proud moment for the Congress family. “Today is a big day for the INC as we welcome Vinesh Phogat ji and Bajrang Punia ji,” Venugopal remarked.
Earlier today, both wrestlers resigned from their positions in Northern Railways. Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and Phogat, who became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in the national capital before their formal induction into the party.
The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the counting of votes set for October 8. The entry of these high-profile athletes into the Congress is expected to energize the party’s campaign in the state.
