Wrestler Sakshi Malik has made it clear that her battle against the exploitation of women in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will persist, despite the recent political moves by her fellow wrestlers. Malik’s comments came as Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were both key figures in the 2023 protest against the former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, prepare to join the Congress party. Malik revealed that she had also received offers from various political parties but has chosen to continue her activism until significant changes are made within the Federation.
Political Moves By Wrestlers
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to join the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. They are expected to contest the elections, with Punia likely running from the Badli assembly seat and Phogat potentially contesting from another constituency. Their decision follows a meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, where the wrestlers discussed their future political involvement. The announcement of their political shift comes after intense speculation and discussions about their roles in the upcoming polls.
Malik’s Response To Phogat And Punia’s Political Shift
In response to her fellow wrestlers’ political decisions, Sakshi Malik acknowledged that joining a political party is a personal choice. However, she emphasized that her commitment to addressing the issues within the Wrestling Federation remains unwavering. Malik stressed the importance of not letting the fight for women’s rights be overshadowed by political affiliations, asserting, “Our agitation, the fight for women should not be given a wrong impression…From my end, the agitation continues.”
Congress Welcomes Phogat And Punia
The Congress party has welcomed Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who are joining the party amid the ongoing election campaign. Phogat, who had resigned from her position in the Indian Railway earlier in the day, criticized the BJP for its handling of the wrestlers’ protest and for spreading misinformation about their careers. She expressed pride in joining a party that she feels supports women and stands against injustice, reflecting on the support she received from Congress during her difficult times.
Approaching Haryana Assembly Elections
As the Haryana assembly elections approach, voters will head to the polls on October 5, with the results expected on October 8. Both Phogat and Punia will campaign on behalf of Congress, aiming to bring attention to the issues they championed during their protests. Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik remains focused on her cause, determined to see through her fight against exploitation in the Wrestling Federation.