In a significant development for the Congress party, wrestlers and renowned Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Friday joined the Congress at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. The announcement was made during a press event in the presence of key Congress figures including AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, and party leader Pawan Khera.
On the wrestlers joining the Congress, Kharge enthusiastically remarked, "Chak De India, Chak De Haryana," reflecting the pride the party feels in the wrestlers joining the grand old party. Kharge further emphasised the pride the Congress party feels in having both Vinesh and Bajrang as members, acknowledging their significant contributions to Indian sports.
K.C. Venugopal said, "Today is a big day for Congress. I feel proud to welcome Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to our party. Vinesh's journey is truly inspirational—losing her father at the age of nine and yet rising to become a three-time Olympian is a testament to her courage."
Haryana Congress President Uday Bhan also lauded the wrestlers, stating, "Today, our party has welcomed the pride of India, who have won the hearts of the people. The way they showcased their talent in the Olympics, defeating the world's top wrestlers, is commendable."
Congress leader Pawan Khera reiterated the party's pride in this moment, highlighting the achievements of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia in the sporting arena and in winning the hearts of millions of Indians.
This comes after the Olympians met Leader of the Opposition and Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi, a meeting which sparked widespread speculation of her joining the party and contesting the Haryana Assembly polls in October. Both the grapplers were seen arriving at the AICC headquarters today afternoon.
'Proud To Join A Party Which Stands With Women': Phogat On Joining Congress
On joining the Congress, Vinesh Phogat expressed pride in joining a party that "stands with women". She said: "I thank Congress party...Kehte hain na ki bure time mein pata lagta hai ki apna kaun hai...When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad'..."
Speaking about the sexual harassment case against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following allegations by six women wrestlers, Phogat said: "The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in Court. We will win that fight as well... With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation. The way we played our game with heart, we will give our best to work for our people. I want to tell my sisters, that I am with them. If there will be no one for you, I will be there, Congress party will be there. I have felt this, and I can assure you that we will be there for sure."
'BJP Stands With Atrocities Against Women': Bajrang Punia
Soon after joining the Congress, Bajrang Punia came down heavily on the BJP, claiming that the party stands for atrocities against women. He also said that there was an IT Cell that was celebrating when Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics finals.
"What BJP IT Cell is saying today that we just wanted to do politics...We had written to all women BJP MPs to stand with us but they still didn't come. We are paying to raise the voices of women but now we know that BJP stands with atrocities against women, and all other parties stand with us. We will work hard to strengthen the Congress party and the nation...The day Vinesh qualified for finals the country was happy but the next day everyone was sad. At that time, one IT Cell was celebrating," he said.
Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Resign From Indian Railways
In another development, both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Friday resigned from the Indian Railways. Phogat resigned from her job as Officer on Special Duty with the Indian Railways (Northern) citing personal reasons. "Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life," she posted on X with a picture of her resignation letter.
"At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from the railway service and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways," she said, adding that she will always be "grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity given to me by the Railways in the service of the nation."
Along with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia had also resigned from the Indian Railways on Friday. He expressed gratitude to the Northern Railways for guiding him.