Haryana Elections: Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Boost Congress Party in Haryana

Two acclaimed Indian Olympians, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were prominent figures in last year’s protests against alleged sexual assault and intimidation by the former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh, recently joined the Congress party. They met senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge before formalizing their association with the party at its headquarters in New Delhi. Ms. Phogat had gained significant attention after being disqualified from a wrestling event for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams. She has since shown support for farmers’ protests and voiced her solidarity with them.

The Congress is aiming to leverage the farmers’ discontent with the BJP to challenge the latter’s dominance in Haryana. The party also hopes that the entry of Phogat and Punia will strengthen its position in negotiations with the AAP for seat-sharing in the state. The Congress has been facing internal rifts and delays in finalizing its candidates, while the BJP has encountered dissent, with notable figures like Energy Minister Ranjit Chautala and MLA Lakshman Napa quitting the party. Chautala has decided to contest as an Independent, and Napa has announced his intention to join the Congress.