New Delhi: A day after meeting Rahul Gandhi, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined Congress, lashing out at BJP for “ditching them” during their struggle for honour.
Later, Phogat was announced as the Congress candidate from Julana assembly constituency. The party also issued a statement announcing the appointment of Punia as the working chairman of All India Kisan Congress with immediate effect.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, flanked by Haryana unit chief Uday Bhan, state in-charge Deepak Babaria and spokesman Pawan Khera, welcomed the two wrestlers and said “it is a proud moment for Congress”. The wrestlers said they “will not be scared or back off” and will carry on their struggle. The duo also met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence.
Venugopal complained that railways issued a showcause notice to Phogat for meeting Rahul Gandhi even though she has resigned from her job. He said the country stands with the Olympian wrestlers and the govt should relieve her from her duties without delay, and “not play politics”. He said Punia too received a showcause notice. “Is it a crime to stand with the leader of opposition of the country,” he asked.
Profusely thanking Congress, Phogat said, “It is in tough times that one comes to know about the well-wishers. When we were dragged on the roads, all the parties except BJP stood with us and associated with our pain.” Instead, she said, BJP chose to support Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
“The fight is ongoing and the case in the court is ongoing. We won’t give up. We are coming on this platform to serve the country,” Phogat said. The trial in the case began in July, over a year after a chargesheet was filed against Singh in June 2023. The trial court had framed charges against him in May this year, under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty of a woman) and 354A (sexual harassment), after Singh had pleaded not guilty.
The 1,500-page chargesheet against Singh, for alleged sexual harassment, assault and stalking of six women wrestlers, had included statements of at least 22 witnesses from across four states. These included wrestlers, a referee, a coach and a physiotherapist.
Voting on 90 assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and counting of votes will be undertaken on October 8.
