Rahul Gandhi Meets Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Amid Electoral Speculations

On September 4, 2024, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, met with renowned Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia at 10 Janpath in New Delhi. The meeting drew significant attention from media personnel, eager to capture images of the prominent figures.

The Congress party shared a photograph of the meeting, showcasing Gandhi with his arm around Punia’s shoulder while holding Phogat’s hand. This visual suggests a strong show of solidarity and a readiness to support the wrestlers as they step into a potentially new political arena.

As speculations rise, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are believed to be considering candidacies in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, which could enhance Congress’s strategy to consolidate Jat votes and leverage anti-incumbency sentiments against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress party has promptly seized upon the wrestlers’ allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India and a BJP MP during the protests last year. This issue has provided an opportunity for the Congress to criticize the government and align itself with the wrestlers’ grievances.

Reports indicate that Vinesh Phogat may contest from the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia is likely to run from the Badli seat. These electoral moves could significantly impact the political landscape in Haryana.

The Congress party is currently finalizing decisions regarding the candidacies of Phogat and Punia, with announcements expected shortly. The eagerness surrounding their potential political foray stems from their recent experiences and achievements in sports, alongside their involvement in high-profile protests.

The interest in the wrestlers’ political involvement also reflects the party’s strategy to form alliances. Recent discussions suggest that the Congress is in negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for seat-sharing arrangements in Haryana.