In a move that has stirred political circles, celebrated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, fueling speculation that they might align with the party ahead of the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Haryana. The meeting has intensified rumors of their potential political involvement, especially given their recent activities and interactions with Congress leaders.
Vinesh Phogat, who recently returned from the Paris Olympics, had earlier met former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Hooda warmly welcomed her, stating that the Congress is open to anyone interested in joining the party. “An athlete does not belong to any particular party or state. An athlete belongs to the entire nation. She belongs to the entire nation. It is her choice whether she joins any party or not. Whoever comes to Congress party, we always welcome him or her. It is her decision what she wants to do,” Hooda remarked.
The involvement of Congress leaders with Phogat since her return has not gone unnoticed. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda was among the first to greet her at IGI Airport in Delhi, symbolically presenting her with a ‘Hanuman Gada’—a token of victory. Deepender Hooda has been a vocal supporter of Phogat and other wrestlers, especially during their protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment.
As Haryana prepares for its elections, the potential backing of prominent athletes like Phogat and Punia could be a significant boost for the Congress, especially in the state where wrestling holds deep cultural roots. The political landscape in Haryana is poised for an intriguing shift, with these developments adding to the anticipation.