New Delhi: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party and are set to run for seats in the Haryana Assembly elections next month. Both are 30-year-old sports icons with a significant following. Vinesh is expected to vie for the Julana seat, currently held by Amarjeet Dhanda from the Jannayak Janta Party, while Bajrang will be defending the Congress’ position in the Badli seat.
Earlier today, they had a meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Their timing in joining the Congress is crucial as the party is selecting its candidates and negotiating seat-sharing terms with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Strengthening Congress’ Hand
These high-profile members are likely to bolster Congress’ bargaining strength, especially during this period of seat-allocation discussions with AAP. There have been some concerns among Haryana Congress leaders regarding an alliance with AAP. However, sources confirmed last night that an initial agreement between Congress and AAP is underway.
The Congress and AAP are both part of the INDIA bloc, which united the opposition before the April-June Lok Sabha elections. Although this alliance has not significantly influenced state elections so far, Rahul Gandhi seems keen to alter this by establishing a united opposition front to take on the BJP at both the state and central levels.
Inside sources have stated that Rahul Gandhi has urged senior Congress leaders to form an alliance with AAP to avoid splitting the anti-BJP vote. Last night’s preliminary discussions revealed that AAP seeks to contest 10 out of Haryana’s 90 seats, while Congress is willing to concede only up to seven seats, with an additional one likely to be given to the Samajwadi Party, another INDIA bloc member.
Further negotiations are set for today, involving AAP’s Raghav Chadha and Congress’ KC Venugopal, both of whom are Rajya Sabha MPs.
Vinesh Phogat’s Grassroots Connection
Congress aims to enhance its appeal among voters in Haryana, a state controlled by the BJP since 2014, by bringing onboard athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. Vinesh’s strong relationship with Haryana’s farmers could play a significant role. Farmers in large numbers have protested against the BJP over issues like minimum support price (MSP) guarantees.
Just last week, Vinesh visited protesting farmers at Shambhu on the Haryana-Delhi border. Addressing them as “your daughter,” she expressed her support and prayed for justice for the protesters.
“Your protest completes 200 days today. I pray that you get the justice you seek. Your daughter stands with you. I also urge the government to hear us. We are also citizens of India, and raising our voices is not a political act,” she stated.
Wrestlers Vs. Brij Bhushan
Both Phogat and Punia garnered significant attention last year when they led protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, the former chief of the wrestling body facing charges of sexual assault and intimidation. His controversial standing led to him being denied a ticket to recontest from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat. The BJP chose his son Karan Bhushan Singh, who ended up winning the seat.
This development is expected to bring a new dynamic to Haryana’s political landscape, especially with such celebrated sports figures stepping into the political arena. Their influence, particularly in the rural areas troubled by ongoing grievances against the BJP, could alter the political equations in the state.
In summary, the entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into Congress is seen as a strategic move to solidify the party’s stance and broaden its appeal among Haryana’s electorates. Their presence might also strengthen Congress’ negotiating position in alliance talks with AAP and within the broader context of the INDIA bloc. Further developments will be closely watched as the political landscape in Haryana continues to evolve.
