Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat’s political foray: Controversial move ahead of Haryana state assembly elections

On September 6, 2024, the Indian National Congress welcomed two well-known wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, into its ranks ahead of the Haryana state assembly elections. The duo joined the Congress party shortly after meeting prominent leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. However, the decision has raised several eyebrows, especially given their previous public stance against political involvement and their criticism of the current government during their protests.

Entering Politics Amid Allegations and Controversies

The entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into politics has not been without controversy. Both wrestlers were involved in a series of protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) leader and former BJP MP, who is accused of sexual harassment. While the allegations against Singh were serious and deserved a fair trial, the way Punia and Phogat used the protests to gain public sympathy is now being questioned. Many observers have noted that their activism seemed to take a sharp turn from seeking justice for the alleged victims to an almost overt political manoeuvre, with the two wrestlers regularly appearing at Congress-sponsored events and receiving explicit support from Congress leaders.

During their induction into Congress, Vinesh Phogat noted: “I am very proud to be associated with a party that stands up against misconduct and injustice against women.” However, critics allege that her statements selectively target the BJP while ignoring similar issues in the Congress’ history. The timing of their entry into politics, just before the Haryana assembly elections, appears to many to be a calculated attempt to capitalise on their newfound fame and sympathy to secure political positions.

Indian Railways Dismissal and Suspected Motives

To add to the controversy, Vinesh Phogat resigned from the Indian Railways, citing “family circumstances and personal reasons.” The abruptness of this resignation has raised questions, especially given the timing, which coincided with her announcement to join the Congress. Phogat’s resignation letter, which she shared on social media, seemed to project a sense of discontent and martyrdom, as she described her stint with the Railways as “a memorable and proud time in my life.” However, many see the move as part of a larger strategy to cut all formal ties with government jobs and thus make itself more attractive to a political party known for its opposition to the current central government.

Phogat’s sudden decision to quit her professional commitments, including wrestling, adds another layer of suspicion. She was disqualified from the 50-kilogram gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight, an incident that reportedly left her disgruntled. Critics have suggested that Phogat’s entry into politics may have been driven more by her frustration over the end of her athletic career than by a genuine desire to serve the public.

Role and political ambitions of Bajrang Punia

Bajrang Punia, known for his vocal support for the protests and criticism of the BJP-led government, is seen as a key figure in the Congress’ campaign in Haryana. He is likely to be appointed co-chairman of the Haryana Congress campaign committee. Reports suggest that Punia is aiming for the Badli seat, while Phogat is likely to contest from either Julana or Dadri Vidhan Sabha. Punia’s sudden rise to a prominent position in the Congress has drawn criticism, with some observers noting that his political ambitions appear to be conveniently aligned with the Congress’ strategy to regain power in Haryana.

Their political affiliation has also led to debates about their dedication to the causes they advocated. While they previously presented themselves as athletes fighting for justice, their political affiliation has led to accusations of opportunism. For example, during the protests, both wrestlers stressed their independence from any political party. However, their recent actions suggest otherwise, casting doubt on their previous claims and raising concerns.

Strategic alliance talks and political maneuvers

The Congress party has clearly sensed an opportunity in the politically volatile environment of Haryana. With the elections approaching, the Congress has started negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) for seat-sharing. Sources within the Congress suggest that the party is ready to offer three seats to the AAP and one to the SP in the 90-member Haryana legislature. This strategic alliance formation, coupled with the induction of the wrestlers, appears to be an attempt to attract votes from different demographics, especially the youth and sports enthusiasts.

Critics, however, allege that this alliance is more about optics than any real political consensus or shared ideology. The sudden appearance of the wrestlers on the Congress platform, amid their fight against alleged intimidation and their vocal criticism of the BJP, seems aimed at projecting the Congress in a positive light. Their participation in Congress events, public appearances with Congress leaders and their direct alignment with the party’s narrative suggest that their actions are more about personal gain than public service.

Political exploitation of personal struggle?

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s decision to join the Congress appears to be a strategic move by the party to capitalise on their recent struggles and the public sympathy they garnered during their protests. The Congress’ attempts to project them as “champions of justice” are seen by some as a cynical attempt to use their recent victim narratives to secure votes. Many believe that their protests, which began with a sincere call for justice, have now transformed into a vehicle for political ambitions.

While Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have undoubtedly contributed to Indian sports and raised awareness on issues of intimidation and justice, their recent political moves have somewhat overshadowed their earlier achievements. Their decision to join the Congress, just ahead of a crucial state election, casts a shadow on their earlier activism and raises suspicions about their true motives. It remains to be seen whether their foray into politics will yield positive results for them or further undermine public confidence in their probity and integrity.