Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat join congress
- In Reports
- 06:16 PM, Sep 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress on Friday in the presence of senior party leaders, including Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, and AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria. Their entry into politics has stirred discussions about their potential candidacies in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.
Earlier media reports suggested that Vinesh Phogat may contest from the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia could stand for the Badli seat, both on Congress tickets. Badli is currently held by the Congress, while the Julana seat is represented by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party.
Haryana BJP leader Anil Vij responded to Vinesh Phogat’s political move, saying, “Agar woh desh ki beti sey Congress ki beti banna chaahti hai, to hamein kya etraaz hai (If Vinesh wants to become Congress' daughter from being the country’s daughter, what objection can we have).”
Bajrang Punia, upon joining Congress, recalled an incident, stating, "The day Vinesh qualified for the finals the country was happy, but the next day everyone was sad. At that time, one IT Cell was celebrating."
Vinesh Phogat, after her induction into Congress, expressed her gratitude to the party, saying, “I thank Congress party... Kehte hain na ki bure time mein pata lagta hai ki apna kaun hai (It is said that in tough times, you learn who is truly with you). When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party that stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad' (from the streets to the Parliament)." She added, "We will not be scared, won't back off; our court case is going on, and we will win that also."
Phogat also announced her resignation from her position in Indian Railways, posting on X (formerly Twitter), "Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from the railway service and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways."
KC Venugopal of Congress alleged that Vinesh Phogat received a show-cause notice from Railway authorities for meeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He stated, "Her only 'crime' was to meet Rahul Gandhi."
Venugopal further urged railway authorities to complete the formalities of relieving Phogat, saying, "Don't do politics, complete formalities to relieve Vinesh Phogat."
Following their entry into Congress, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat both officially resigned from their Indian Railway posts. Commenting on their political choices, Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik clarified that joining a political party was their personal decision. "I also got several political offers," Malik told ANI, but noted that she declined them, saying she "believes in staying true to my fight for women in wrestling."
As per the Congress, the party’s election panel will decide whether Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia will contest in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.
Image source: ToI
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