Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Meet Rahul Gandhi Ahead Of Haryana Elections 2024

Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Haryana on Wednesday, sparking rumours of her joining the party before the state Assembly elections. Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia also had a meeting with the Leader of Opposition. The Congress announced on Tuesday that it would clarify Phogat's candidacy for the Haryana elections after an AICC central election committee meeting held on Monday.

The Congress party shared on X, "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia." According to ANI sources, both wrestlers are likely to contest the Haryana Assembly elections on a Congress ticket. They are also scheduled to meet Congress General Secretary Org KC Venugopal in Delhi.

Wrestlers' Protest and Legal Battles

Phogat, who reached the final of the Paris Olympics in the 50 kg category but was disqualified due to being overweight, played a significant role in the wrestlers' protest in 2023. Alongside Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, she led protests demanding action against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and then BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Singh faced accusations of sexually harassing several female wrestlers.

The trial court is currently hearing proceedings against Singh. Earlier this month, Delhi High Court denied immediate relief to Singh regarding his plea to quash the FIR and charges framed against him in an alleged sexual harassment case filed by multiple women wrestlers. During a brief hearing, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna remarked, "There can't be an omnibus order for everything...this is nothing but an oblique way," pointing out that Singh was challenging everything after the trial had commenced.

Legal Proceedings Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The plea was opposed by counsel for both the State and survivors, who argued that it was not maintainable. Complaints were made by six women wrestlers; however, one complaint was found time-barred by the trial court, which framed charges based on complaints from five victims. Senior advocate Rebecca John stated, "This shows there was a deep application of mind."

Sources revealed that during Monday's CEC meeting, 34 out of 49 names discussed were cleared. This development comes as part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

Phogat's involvement in politics could bring significant attention to her campaign given her prominence in sports and activism. Her potential candidacy is seen as a strategic move by Congress to leverage her popularity and influence among voters.

Bajrang Punia's political aspirations also add weight to this narrative as he joins Phogat in these discussions with senior Congress leaders. Their combined presence could potentially sway public opinion and garner support for their respective campaigns.

The outcome of these meetings and subsequent decisions will be closely watched as they unfold ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.