Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined Congress party just weeks before Haryana’s Assembly elections. Both athletes have bene vocal figures in last year’s protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The decision of joining Congress came following their meeting with the Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week.
On Friday, the two Olympians, both 30, formally joined the party at Congress headquarters in New Delhi after a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Their decision is expected to influence Haryana’s political landscape, particularly due to their popularity and the significant backing from farmers.
Sharing excitement over joining of both the wrestlers, Kharge wrote on X, “Chak de India, Chak de Haryana! Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have made India proud in the world, at 10, Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you”.
Speaking at the event, Phogat reflected on her journey and the support she received, said, “It is only when times are bad that people know who is really standing with them…When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears.”
Bajrang Punia shared her sentiments, praising the Congress for supporting the wrestlers during their protest, said, “We are paying the price for raising our voice in support of the daughters of the country… We will keep working for the people of the country and strengthen the Congress party as well as India.”
While no official word has come from the Congress regarding their electoral roles, speculation is rife that Phogat might contest from Julana, while Punia could be fielded from the Badli constituency.
Phogat recently resigned from her post in the Indian Railways, expressing gratitude for her time there. In a social media post, she said, “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life… I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity.”
Her recent wrestling career also drew attention after being disqualified just ahead of what could have been a silver medal win in the 50 kg freestyle category. However, her earlier victory against reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki earned her wide admiration. Following her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.
Last week, she made headlines again by showing solidarity with protesting farmers at the Haryana-Punjab border, advocating for their demand for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops: “Your daughter stands with you… I also urge the government… what they are demanding is not unlawful.”
For the Congress, the wrestlers’ entry is expected to mobilize support, especially among Haryana’s large farming community. The party hopes this will boost its chances against the ruling BJP, which has been in power in the state since 2014.
The Congress is also in talks with its INDIA alliance partner, AAP, regarding seat-sharing for the state’s 90 constituencies. While AAP seeks 10 seats, Congress is willing to offer only five to seven. However, Rahul Gandhi has reportedly pushed for the alliance to ensure a united front against the BJP.
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