New Delhi

Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Friday (September 6), ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections next month. They met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi before holding a press conference where party leader KC Venugopal confirmed their membership.

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This move followed a recent meeting with Congress MP and former party leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.

"Chak de India, Chak de Haryana! Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have made India proud in the world, at 10, Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you," Kharge wrote on X. 

After joining the party, Phogat conveyed her gratitude and pride. "I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears," she said.

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Phogat and Punia were among those who protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former BJP MP and head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), whom they accused of mistreating young wrestlers.

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Phogat also criticised the BJP, accusing them of tarnishing her reputation and vowed to continue the legal battle against Singh. "I am honoured to be part of a party that fights against injustice and misbehaviour towards women. I promise to work for the country with the same dedication I showed in wrestling. I stand with every woman who feels helpless. I could have quit wrestling during the protests at Jantar Mantar, but I reached the Olympic finals. Now, I have a new opportunity to serve my country," she said.

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Phogat also mentioned that Bajrang Punia was suspended for four years on doping charges due to his support for the protest. "Our fight against Brij Bhushan will continue in court," she added.

Punia echoed Phogat's sentiments, stating that Congress supported the wrestlers while alleging that the BJP failed to protect women wrestlers. "We are paying the price for raising our voice in support of the daughters of the country... We will keep working for the people of the country and strengthen the Congress party as well as India. Everyone was happy when Vinesh Phogat reached the finals but some people also celebrated when she was disqualified," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)