Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to join the Indian National Congress on Saturday, ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. This move follows their recent meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 4 in New Delhi, which had fueled speculation about their political ambitions.
Sources indicate that Phogat and Punia will officially join the Congress at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. Their entry into politics is expected to strengthen the Congress party’s negotiating power, particularly in light of ongoing discussions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) about a potential alliance for the upcoming elections.
AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, confirmed that the Congress is exploring an alliance with AAP, and discussions are also underway with the Samajwadi Party and CPI(M). Babaria noted that these parties are keen to make a significant impact in Haryana, and talks with AAP are progressing.
In a related development, Rahul Gandhi recently sought the opinions of Haryana Congress members on a possible alliance with AAP during a party meeting. This reflects the Congress’s strategic efforts to solidify its position in the state.
Phogat, who has been vocal about farmers’ issues, attended a farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border on August 31. She expressed her support for the farmers’ demand for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP), highlighting the crucial role of farmers in the country.
The addition of Phogat and Punia is anticipated to bring renewed energy to the Congress party’s campaign as Haryana prepares for its assembly elections.