Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification: Congress' New Ammo Against BJP In Haryana Elections

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Olympic race has ignited a fierce political clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, just as the Haryana state polls loom. Haryana Congress MPs, led by Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala, have launched a scathing attack on the BJP.

Surjewala, in a post on X, accused the BJP of orchestrating a "huge conspiracy of hatred," questioning, "Who was uncomfortable with her win? Who has stabbed the daughter of Haryana in the back? Who misused power?"

As per a News18 report, similar sentiments were echoed by other Haryana Congress leaders, including Kumari Shelja and Deepender Hooda.

The party's top brass, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, have also rallied behind Phogat, demanding justice and using the incident as a strategic move in the political arena.

For the Congress, Phogat's disqualification is not just an issue of sports but a key element in their broader political strategy. The party sees this as an opportunity to consolidate the Jat and women vote bank in Haryana by challenging the BJP's narrative that under its rule, schemes like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' have empowered women in the traditionally conservative state.

Moreover, the Congress is using the Phogat incident to bolster their narrative that the Modi government is anti-women and fascist. Priyanka Vadra, who sat on dharna with the protesting wrestlers, has become a prominent face of this campaign, with the Congress arguing that the BJP shielded those accused of harassing women.

The Congress also aims to undermine the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has often portrayed himself as strong and decisive. The party has pointed out, "The PM claims that he stopped the war in Ukraine. Why couldn't he do it here? Why can't he ensure Phogat's reinstatement?"

In response, the government has strongly defended itself, with the Prime Minister leading efforts to have the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) review the decision. However, with the state polls approaching, the Congress is determined to turn this controversy into a political victory in the "akhara of politics.