Vinesh Phogat: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who officially joined the Congress party on Friday, is set to contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who joined the party alongside Phogat, will not be contesting in the elections.
Phogat’s entry into politics was speculated after her meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week. Initially, there were reports suggesting she might run either from Charkhi Dadri or Julana, with the latter now confirmed.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Joins Congress, to Contest Haryana Assembly Elections from Julana
Phogat was inducted into the Congress in the presence of senior party leader KC Venugopal. Speaking at the event, she praised Congress for its support of women and vowed to make a difference for sportspersons. “I am starting a new innings. I want sportspersons to never have to face what we went through,” Phogat stated, referring to the challenges she and her fellow wrestlers faced during their protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Phogat criticized the BJP for its handling of the wrestlers’ protests over sexual harassment allegations against Singh
Phogat criticized the BJP for its handling of the wrestlers’ protests over sexual harassment allegations against Singh. “When we were being dragged on the roads, every party except the BJP stood with us. Other parties understood our pain,” she added.
Recently disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 after missing her weight by a mere 100 grams in the 50-kg category, Phogat has since announced her retirement from wrestling.
Both Phogat and Punia were key figures in the 2023 protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, making their political debuts highly anticipated.
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