Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Tear Into BJP After Joining Congress: 'All Parties Except...'

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia officially joined the Congress party on Friday, just ahead of the upcoming key Haryana assembly elections on October 5.

Their move marks a tectonic shift in the political landscape in Haryana, as both athletes had been central figures in the wrestlers' protests earlier this year.

Following their induction, Vinesh Phogat sharply criticised the BJP, recounting her journey "from sadak to sansad" (from the street to Parliament).

In her address to the media, Phogat expressed her gratitude toward Congress for their support during the protests, highlighting that no party except the BJP had stood by them.

She said, "I thank Congress party... Kehte hain na ki bure time mein pata lagta hai ki apna kaun hai... When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad'..."

Phogat acknowledged that the struggle for justice was still ongoing, as the case remains in court, but she exuded confidence in the eventual victory.

She vowed to continue her efforts in service to the nation, saying, "The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in court. We will win that fight as well... With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation. The way we played our game with heart, we will give our best to work for our people. I want to tell my sisters, that I am with them. If there will be no one for you, I will be there, Congress party will be there. I have felt this, and I can assure you that we will be there for sure."

Bajrang Punia, also speaking after joining the Congress, directed his criticism at the BJP's IT cell, which had accused the wrestlers of pursuing political interests during their protests.

He also said that they had reached out to female BJP MPs for support, but none had responded.

Punia stated, "What BJP IT cell is saying today that we just wanted to do politics... We had written to all women BJP MPs to stand with us but they still didn't come. We are paying to raise the voices of women but now we know that BJP stands with atrocities against women, and all other parties stand with us."

He also promised to work hard to build the Congress party and strengthen the nation, adding a personal note about the emotional highs and lows in their wrestling careers.

"We will work hard to strengthen the Congress party and the nation... The day Vinesh qualified for finals the country was happy but the next day everyone was sad. At that time, one "particular" IT cell was celebrating..."