Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Likely To Contest Haryana Polls On Congress Ticket (image-X/INCIndia)

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are likely to contest in the Haryana assembly elections scheduled for next month as Congress candidates. Amid speculations, the two met with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday afternoon. Phogat is expected to contest from the Julana seat presently held by the Jannayak Janta Party’s Amarjeet Dhanda. The party has made no official confirmation so far.

Recently, the three-time Olympian visited the farmers’ protest site at the Shambhu border and urged the government to listen to their demands. Extending solidarity with the farmers. Phogat said, “Farmers run the country. Nothing is possible without them, not even athletes—if they don’t feed us, we won’t be able to compete. Many a time we are helpless and can’t do anything, we represent the country at such big levels, but we can’t do anything for our family even when we see them sad. I urge the Government that they should listen.”

Read Also: “It Is Painful To See”: Vinesh Phogat Visits Farmers’ Protest Site At Shambhu Border

If the two wrestlers join the grand old party, Congress is expected to have a good opportunity to strengthen their base among voters in the BJP-ruled state, especially among the Haryana farmers who continue their protest, crossing 200 days, against the BJP on a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, among other key issues.

Phogat and Punia made headlines after spearheading protests against the former Wrestling Federation chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual assault and intimidation. Although Bhushan was suspended, his close friend Sanjay Singh was elected as the new WFI chief amid protests.

Phogat was conferred with an honorary gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat on August 25 after she failed to meet the weight category by a little over 100 grams in the Women’s Freestyle 50-kg final of the Paris 2024. The two-time World Championships bronze medallist was disqualified ahead of the finals.

Read Also: As Vinesh Phogat Marks Historic Win, X Remembers Her Struggles

Upon her arrival in India, the premier Indian wrestler was welcomed by Rio 2016 bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and Punia at the Delhi airport.

Congress is yet to release its candidate list for the state. The Haryana assembly elections will be held on October 5.