Vinesh Phogat is anticipated to contest the Julana seat currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party, while Bajrang Punia’s prospective seat remains uncertain.
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat meet with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party and are set to contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Vinesh Phogat, 30, is expected to challenge for the Julana seat, currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party. Bajrang Punia, 30, will run for the Congress in the Badli constituency.
The duo’s entry into the Congress comes at a crucial time, as the party is both nominating election candidates and negotiating seat-sharing with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This strategic move is likely to strengthen the Congress’ bargaining power, especially as some party leaders have shown reservations about allying with AAP.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with Phogat and Punia today, emphasizing the importance of unity within the opposition to enhance their chances of defeating the BJP in both state and national elections.
The Congress and AAP, both part of the INDIA bloc formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, have been negotiating an alliance for the Haryana polls. Initial talks suggest that AAP seeks to contest 10 out of the 90 seats, while Congress is inclined to concede seven, with one additional seat likely going to the Samajwadi Party, another INDIA bloc member. Further discussions, led by AAP’s Raghav Chadha and Congress’ KC Venugopal, are expected to continue.
Vinesh Phogat’s connection with Haryana farmers, who have been protesting against the BJP for legal guarantees on MSP, is a significant factor in Congress’ decision to bring her onboard. Last week, Phogat visited farmers at a protest site near the Haryana-Delhi border, expressing solidarity and urging the government to address their demands.
Both Phogat and Punia gained national attention last year for leading protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, the former chief of the wrestling body, who faced accusations of sexual assault and intimidation. Singh, a three-time BJP MP, was eventually denied a ticket to contest in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat, which was instead won by his son, Karan Bhushan Singh.
