Vinesh Phogat, the renowned Indian wrestler who scripted history by winning a semifinal match at the Paris Olympics, resigned from her job in the Indian Railways on Friday, September 6. This has led to talks that she might join the Congress party. She, along with wrestler Bajrang Punia, are expected to join Congress today at 02:00 pm at a meeting at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi. This comes just before the Haryana assembly elections. Earlier, they had met with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, which fueled rumors about their political plans.
Vinesh Phogat resigns
Vinesh Phogat took to social media to announce her resignation from the Indian Railways, where she served for several years. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from the railway service and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways. I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity given to me by the Railways in the service of the nation.” This resignation comes just as speculations about her political entry are growing, with many expecting her to join Congress.
Vinesh Phogat resigns from her post in Indian Railways amid speculations of her joining Congress party today. pic.twitter.com/1n0xxG1O6s
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024
Joining Congress along with Bajrang Punia?
According to sources, both Vinesh Phogat and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia are expected to join the Congress party on Friday. A formal ceremony is set to take place at 2 pm at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajaji Marg, Delhi.
Both wrestlers hail from Haryana, and their entry into politics is likely to make a significant impact in the upcoming elections.
Also Read: Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia To Join Congress Today
Recent Meeting With Congress Leaders
Speculations about the wrestlers joining politics have been circulating for some time. Just a few days ago, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia met with senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal at Rahul Gandhi’s residence on 10 Akbar Road, Janpath. The meeting lasted for about 40 minutes, fueling rumors that both athletes might contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections on a Congress ticket.
The timing of the meeting and the athletes’ resignation from their respective duties indicate that their political entry could be just around the corner.
Vinesh Phogat’s Journey And Legacy
Vinesh Phogat has had an illustrious career as a wrestler, being the first woman wrestler from India to reach the Olympics final. However, her journey to the Olympics ended in disappointment as she was disqualified for being overweight by just 100 grams in the 50-kg category weigh-in. Following this setback, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport.
Despite her exit from wrestling, Vinesh Phogat remains a prominent figure in Indian sports. Along with Bajrang Punia, she led the protests in 2023 against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP MP and the then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The protest was over allegations of sexual harassment against Singh, and both athletes played a key role in bringing the issue to light.
Political Implications
The decision of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to join the Congress party comes at a crucial political juncture. With the Haryana Assembly elections approaching, their entry into politics could shift the dynamics in the state. Both athletes have significant influence in Haryana, and their move to join Congress is expected to bolster the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.
As the wrestlers prepare to make their political debut, all eyes will be on the impact they have on the political landscape, particularly in Haryana, where sports personalities hold considerable influence.
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