In a significant political move, renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party and are set to contest the Haryana Assembly elections next month. Vinesh Phogat will aim for the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia will vie for the Badli seat. The Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) is expected to confirm their candidacies by Wednesday or Thursday.
Initial Controversies And Adjustments
Vinesh Phogat initially desired to contest from the Julana seat, but Congress had initially proposed a different location near Gurugram. Despite this, her and Punia’s names have not yet appeared in the list of 66 candidates approved out of 90 total seats by the Congress CEC.
Strategic Meeting With Rahul Gandhi
The announcement follows a meeting between Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. This meeting has intensified speculation about the wrestlers’ roles in the upcoming elections. The Congress has yet to disclose detailed plans, though AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria indicated that clarity on their candidacies would come by Thursday.
Alliance Talks With Aam Aadmi Party
The entry of Phogat and Punia into the Congress fold comes at a crucial time when the party is engaged in seat-sharing discussions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen the Congress’s position, particularly as some party leaders are hesitant about the alliance with AAP. Preliminary negotiations suggest that AAP seeks to contest 10 seats, while Congress is hesitant to concede more than seven seats.
Phogat’s Connection With Farmers
Vinesh Phogat’s association with farmers in Haryana, many of whom have been protesting against the BJP over issues like minimum support price (MSP) guarantees, is a significant factor in her selection. Recently, Phogat expressed solidarity with the farmers at a protest site, which may have influenced Congress’s decision to include her in their roster of candidates.
Impact Of Recent Protests
Both Phogat and Punia gained national attention last year for leading protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India chief accused of sexual harassment. Their activism, alongside their prominent sports careers, is expected to resonate with voters in Haryana. As the October 5 election date approaches and vote counting on October 8 looms, the political landscape in Haryana is likely to be shaped by these high-profile additions to the Congress team and the ongoing negotiations between major political players.