Days after meeting Rahul Gandhi, Vinesh and Bajrang join Congress
Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party in preparation for the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls. The wrestlers saw Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi before holding a press conference where party member KC Venugopal declared their inclusion.
The anticipated announcement occurred 48 hours after their meeting with Congress MP and former party chief Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
Vinesh accused BJP of maligning her image
Speaking after she joined Congress, Phogat expressed her pride in being welcomed into a party that advocates for women. “I am grateful to the Congress party. We are well aware of the people who truly stood by us when we went through difficult times,” she said.
Vinesh Phogat accused the BJP of damaging her reputation and stated that the wrestlers’ legal fight against Singh would persist, as stated on Friday.
She stated that as we were being pulled out on the streets during the wrestlers’ protest, all parties were with us except the BJP.
Also read: Vinesh, Bajrang to join Congress today ahead of Haryana polls
Bajrang too echoed her sentiments
Voicing similar sentiments, Punia said Congress stood with the wrestlers and alleged that the BJP did injustice to women wrestlers.
“BJP IT Cell is saying our only aim was to do politics. We invited the BJP and their women MPs (to join us for the protest). Even then, they didn’t stand with the daughters. But the Congress stood with us,” he said.
Vinesh, Bajrang were group of wrestlers who accused Brij Bhushan of misconduct against junior wrestlers
Phogat and Punia were part of the group of wrestlers who objected to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former BJP MP and head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), for allegedly mistreating numerous young junior wrestlers.
“I support every woman who feels powerless. If I had desired, I had the option to depart from wrestling at Jantar Mantar. The BJP IT Cell spread false information that our profession is finished and we are not interested in participating in national competitions. I competed in national tournaments and in the Olympics. “However, God had alternate plans for me,” she stated.
