Boxer Vijender Singh has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Following his induction into the saffron party, Singh expressed his intentions, stating, “I have joined the BJP to serve the nation and its people. My aim is to assist a greater number of individuals.”

He officially joined the party at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of party leaders Vinod Tawde, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and Rajiv Babbar.

Formerly affiliated with the Congress party, Singh contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi, where he was defeated by BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri. Bidhuri also secured victory against Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Raghav Chadha in the same constituency.

According to PTI reports, there were considerations for Singh to contest the upcoming polls as the Congress party's candidate from Mathura, a seat currently held by BJP MP and actor Hema Malini.

Hailing from the Jat community, which wields significant political influence, particularly in his home state of Haryana, Singh's entry into the BJP is seen as a move with potential implications in several seats.

On March 30, Singh's enigmatic one-line post on X sparked speculations about his potential alliance with the Congress party. Singh's post stated, "Wherever the public wants, I am ready."

Upon joining the Congress party, Singh expressed his commitment to serving the public, stating, "In more than 20 years of my career in boxing, I have always made my country proud in the ring. Now it's time to do something for my countrymen and serve them. I would like to accept this opportunity and thank the INC India party, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi for this responsibility."

Singh notably participated alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the inaugural leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in January last year in Haryana's Karnal.

In Indian sporting history, Singh achieved a significant milestone by becoming the nation's first-ever boxer to win an Olympic medal, securing a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games. He further enhanced his reputation by clinching a bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships and a gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian sports, Singh was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2010.

In 2012, allegations emerged regarding Singh's involvement in a doping scandal, marking a significant twist in his sports journey. However, he was subsequently acquitted of the charges in the case.

Image source: India TV