Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Elections

In a major political upheaval with Assembly elections 2020 in Haryana in mind WRESTLERS Vinesh Phogat & Bajrang Punia are joining the Congress party today FRI. It was done at the Congress central office located in New Delhi with the presence of the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This action came after the wrestlers met Gandhi on September 4 a meeting that triggered discussions of them as stakeholders’ entry into politics.

Rising Tensions in Haryana

This news of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining the Congress spread like wildfire in Haryana. The adult male wrestlers who were decorated sporting heroes of the country had earlier vehemently come out against the former BJP MP cum Wrestling Federation of India WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against the charges of sexual harassment leveling against by the junior wrestlers. Hence their vocal opposition to Singh who is a key BJP leader made their political switch particularly remarkable within the Haryana context.

BJP’s Reaction to the Wrestlers’ Move

The change of gear in politics was, therefore, not missed by the leaders of the BJP who quickly moved to capitalize on this new situation. Other opponents angrily accused the wrestlers of siding with Congress and Rahul Gandhi, The criticism came from Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. His comments present the existing political situation in the state as both, the BJP and the opposition are gearing up for the assembly elections.

Congress’s Strategic Move

While during the same period the Congress views this process as an opportunity. The congress party news is with the Haryana assembly elections round the corner, is counting on increasing resentment against the BJP government. The congress leadership has been very keen to stabilize its support among the Jat voters especially in Haryana. It could be seen that the inclusion of the two Kumite wrestlers from the Jat community of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia is seen as a move to lock-in such support.

Appeal to the Jat Community and Youth Voters

Both Vinesh and Bajrang along with family are very influential and popular personality in Haryana and rest part of India this section is likely to influence the young voters and more over the Jat voters in particular. It was combination of this two Decisions to join the Congress at this critical time that would determined their performance in the elections.

Vinesh Phogat’s Potential Political Future

In the sporting field we can consider Vinesh Phogat whose career recently received a big blow. She was also DQ-ed in the Paris Olympics after she tipped the weighing scale 100 grams above the required weight before the competition began. Due to this disqualification she made a decision to quit professional wrestling thus bringing an end to a remarkable part of her sporting career.

Setback in Vinesh Phogat’s Wrestling Career

In the sporting field we can consider Vinesh Phogat whose career recently received a big blow. She was also DQ-ed in the Paris Olympics after she tipped the weighing scale 100 grams above the required weight before the competition began. Due to this disqualification she made a decision to quit professional wrestling thus bringing an end to a remarkable part of her sporting career.

The Upcoming Haryana Assembly Elections

The political Scenario of Haryana is also very dynamic as the Haryana Assembly elections are going to be held on October 5. It is a single phase and 90 assembly constituencies are in this state which means the results of this state will be out on October 8. On the other hand, the Congress and AAP are reported to be in discussion in order to have a possibility of having seat adjustment. According to the reports, these negotiations are close to ending and an announcement will be made shortly.

Congress and AAP Alliance: A United Front Against BJP

Thus, the AAP and Congress to both are targeting the BJP, which has been in power in Haryana for a decade now. Their entry has been perceived as major addition for the opposition camp with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. These two wrestlers seem to have influence especially among athletes, youth and the Jat voters that may significantly decide on the fate of the election.

A Heated Election Season

The Haryana Assembly elections will be a toss-up as it were since several political parties are at the forefront of the competition. Though the BJP appears to be confident of its prospects and is keen on retaining power, the Congress and AAP hope that anti-incumbency factor fully the BJP ruled regime and public anger against the incumbent government will help the party come out victorious. A new twist to an already intensified election season comes in with wrestlers crossing from the ring into political arena.

Conclusion

The entry of Vinesh Phogat and the Bajrang Punia into the Congress party means a new political change in Haryana. It would further consolidate the Congress’ vote bank especially amongst the Jat community and the youth. Being a masterstroke, the AAP Congress now believes that this is a master move that will see the party return to power in Haryana as the BJP’s reign is halted. So now all eyes are on Haryana since there are weeks for the elections left in the region.

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