Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met the wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia before heading to Kashmir on Wednesday morning, fueling speculation about their possible entry into the Congress party.
According to Deepak Babaria, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Haryana, the Congress’ Central Election Committee (CEC) convened on Monday to finalise its list of candidates for the upcoming elections in the state. The CEC also has selected 34 candidates for the polls, with the final list expected to be released soon.
Babaria also addressed the ongoing speculation regarding Vinesh Phogat’s political future, stating that the matter would be clarified by Wednesday. The buzz surrounding her potential candidacy has been highly anticipated as Haryana prepares for its assembly elections.
Phogat’s rumoured entry into Haryana politics is a major point of intrigue. If she decides to run, it is expected to reignite the controversy surrounding former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing several women wrestlers. Phogat, along with other wrestlers, had actively participated in protests against Singh.
Just four days ago, Phogat joined the farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border, showing her unwavering support. She was honoured with garlands by the farmers.
The Haryana Assembly polls, slated for October 5, are shaping up to be a heated affair with multiple factors at play. Anti-incumbency sentiments, farmers’ protests, wrestlers’ protests, government employees’ discontent and the dynamics of the Jat community are expected to play pivotal roles.
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