She also mentioned that when she and other wrestlers were protesting against the alleged sexual assault and intimidation by the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, every party except the BJP stood with them.
Bajrang Punia said that the Congress backed the wrestlers during their protest without even being asked to, while BJP MPs ignored letters seeking their support. He also said that they will continue to work for the people of the country and strengthen the Congress party.
Vinesh Phogat is expected to contest from the Julana constituency, held by the Jannayak Janta Party, while Bajrang Punia is likely to be fielded from the Badli seat.
Phogat also announced her resignation as an officer on special duty with the Northern Railways, citing personal reasons.
Her decision to join the Congress comes after her recent disqualification from the wrestling event due to exceeding the weight limit. Despite the setback, her popularity has increased significantly, and she has received widespread support.
The entry of the wrestlers into the Congress is expected to give the party a significant boost, particularly among the farmer community, which makes up a significant voting bloc in Haryana. The Congress is hoping to capitalize on the farmers' anger against the BJP to dislodge the party from the state, which it has ruled since 2014.
The development also comes at a time when the Congress is negotiating with its ally, AAP, on seat-sharing for the 90 constituencies in Haryana. With Phogat and Punia joining the party, the Congress may have an upper hand in these negotiations.
Overall, the joining of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia is a significant development in Haryana politics, and it remains to be seen how their inclusion will impact the Assembly elections.
