In a significant political development, renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Wednesday, signaling a strategic shift ahead of next month’s Haryana Assembly elections. The two star athletes, both 30 years old, met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, solidifying their entry into the political arena.
Vinesh Phogat, known for her wrestling prowess and connection with Haryana’s agrarian community, is expected to contest from the Julana constituency, currently held by the Jannayak Janta Party’s Amarjeet Dhanda. Bajrang Punia, on the other hand, will run for the Badli seat, traditionally held by the Congress.
The timing of this political switch is crucial, with the Congress not only nominating candidates for the upcoming elections but also engaging in sensitive seat-sharing negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). These high-profile acquisitions are viewed as a tactical advantage for Congress,
especially given that some Haryana Congress leaders have shown reluctance towards an alliance with the AAP.
An ‘in-principle’ agreement between the two parties was hinted at by NDTV’s sources last night. However, negotiations are ongoing, with AAP reportedly seeking 10 out of Haryana’s 90 seats, while Congress is hesitant to concede more than seven. Additionally, one seat is expected to be allocated to the Samajwadi Party, led by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, as part of the INDIA bloc agreement.
Vinesh Phogat’s connection with Haryana’s farmers may be seen as a potential electoral boost for Congress. Thousands of farmers in the state have been in protest against the BJP, demanding legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Phogat, who recently visited a farmers’ protest site at Shambhu on the Haryana-Delhi border, has positioned herself as an ally of the farmers, referring to herself as “your daughter” and pledging to fight for justice.
However, critics have questioned the timing and sincerity of Phogat’s political move. Some view her entry into Congress as opportunistic, considering her lack of prior political experience. While her wrestling career has earned her immense respect, transitioning from sports to politics may not be as straightforward as it seems. The challenges of navigating the complex political landscape, especially in a state dominated by caste dynamics and rural issues, may test Phogat’s resolve.
Moreover, Rahul Gandhi’s push for an alliance with the AAP for the Haryana elections has raised eyebrows within his own party. The INDIA bloc, which aims to unite opposition parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, has not yet made a significant impact in state-level politics. Gandhi’s insistence on forming alliances could be seen as a recognition of the Congress’ weakening position in key states like Haryana, where the BJP has held power since 2014.
While Vinesh Phogat’s connection to the farming community could work in Congress’ favor, her political inexperience and the challenges of contesting in a politically charged state like Haryana may ultimately determine the outcome. The Congress-AAP alliance negotiations, expected to continue today with leaders Raghav Chadha from AAP and KC Venugopal from Congress spearheading the talks, will be crucial in shaping the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
As both Phogat and Punia prepare to step into the political ring, the question remains: will their star power translate into electoral success, or is this move more about bolstering the Congress’ bargaining power in a critical state election?
