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From Wrestling Mats to Politics: Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat’s Entry into Congress Ahead of Haryana Elections
In a significant political development, Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are set to join the Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
This move marks their formal entry into politics, signaling a significant shift from their celebrated careers in wrestling to the political arena. Their decision to join Congress comes at a crucial time as the party seeks to strengthen its position in Haryana, a key battleground state, and capitalize on the athletes’ popularity and influence.
The Political Entry of Punia and Phogat
Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat are not just renowned for their achievements on the global wrestling stage but are also seen as national icons, particularly in Haryana. Bajrang Punia is an Olympic bronze medalist, having made India proud with multiple medals at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games. Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, is one of the leading female wrestlers in the country and has blazed a trail for women in sports, especially in Haryana, which has deep-rooted cultural and gender-based challenges.
Their decision to join the Congress party comes after months of speculation and discussions, and their roles are likely to be substantial within the party. Haryana, a state known for its wrestling tradition, is already abuzz with the news of these two icons stepping into politics. As local heroes, their decision is expected to resonate strongly with the rural population and youth voters, many of whom view them as role models.
Context of Their Decision
The move comes just months after Punia and Phogat were at the center of a nationwide protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment and demanded his resignation, sparking widespread public support. Their activism during this period brought them into close contact with political leaders, and it was during this time that their disillusionment with the ruling BJP became apparent.
The protests, which lasted for several months, garnered significant media attention and eventually led to the intervention of the Indian judiciary. The wrestlers were vocal in their criticism of how the BJP-led government handled the issue, expressing frustration over the delay in action. This episode seems to have been a turning point in their political views, setting the stage for their entry into the opposition Congress.
Their decision to align with Congress can also be seen as a strategic move to further their cause. The Congress, which has historically championed causes related to social justice and equality, offered them a platform that aligned with their advocacy for women’s rights and athletes’ welfare. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly played a key role in bringing the athletes into the party, emphasizing the need for clean governance and justice for all.
Impact on Haryana Politics
Haryana is set to witness a high-stakes battle in the 2024 Assembly elections, with the ruling BJP-Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) alliance facing significant challenges. The Congress, which has been out of power in the state since 2014, is looking to make a comeback, and the entry of Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat is expected to give the party a much-needed boost.
Both wrestlers hail from Haryana’s rural areas, where they have a massive following. Their family backgrounds and deep connections with the land make them influential figures, particularly among Jat voters, who form a significant portion of the electorate. The Congress is likely hoping that their popularity will translate into electoral gains, especially in rural constituencies where voters often rally behind local heroes.
Reports suggest that the Congress is considering offering both Punia and Phogat tickets to contest from key constituencies. Vinesh Phogat is rumored to be eyeing the Julana constituency, while Bajrang Punia could be fielded from Badli. If these reports hold true, their candidacies would undoubtedly attract considerable attention and could sway voters in their favor.
Wrestlers in Politics: A Growing Trend
The entry of athletes, particularly wrestlers, into Indian politics is not unprecedented. Haryana, known for producing world-class wrestlers, has seen several athletes transition into politics over the years. Wrestlers like Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar have previously dabbled in politics, although with varying degrees of success.
What sets Punia and Phogat apart, however, is the timing of their entry and the national spotlight that has followed them in recent years. Their advocacy for justice during the WFI protests and their stature as global icons give them an edge that other athletes-turned-politicians might not have had. Additionally, both wrestlers come from prominent families with strong political connections—Vinesh Phogat is a member of the famed Phogat wrestling family, which has been the subject of national attention since the release of the Bollywood film Dangal.
A Boost for Congress
For the Congress party, this development is undoubtedly a strategic win. The party has been trying to rebuild its base in Haryana after suffering several setbacks in recent elections. The BJP’s stronghold in the state, combined with its alliance with the JJP, has made it difficult for Congress to regain lost ground. However, with Punia and Phogat now in their ranks, the party has a chance to appeal to a broader voter base, particularly the youth and rural communities.
Rahul Gandhi’s active role in bringing the wrestlers into the fold indicates the importance Congress places on this development. By aligning with two of India’s most prominent sports personalities, the Congress can project itself as a party that cares about athletes’ welfare, women’s rights, and social justice. This move could also be a counter to the BJP’s image of being pro-sports, especially since Haryana has benefitted from central government schemes aimed at improving sports infrastructure.
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