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The recent meeting between renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sent ripples through Indian politics, particularly in the state of Haryana. While the meeting was ostensibly a gesture of solidarity and support for the wrestlers who have been vocal in their allegations against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, it has ignited speculation about the potential entry of these sports icons into electoral politics. This development could have significant ramifications for the upcoming Haryana Assembly election, particularly for the Congress party which is seeking to consolidate Jat votes and capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling BJP.
The Congress has been quick to demonstrate its support for the wrestlers, who have been at the forefront of a high-profile controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment against the former WFI chief. The party launched a scathing attack on the government for its perceived inaction in addressing the wrestlers' grievances. Furthermore, after Vinesh Phogat's disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympics, Congress veteran and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda publicly proposed offering her a Rajya Sabha seat in recognition of her achievements. However, Phogat did not meet the age requirement for a Rajya Sabha nomination.
This setback, however, presented the Congress with an opportunity to further demonstrate its support for the wrestlers. The potential induction of Phogat and Punia into politics is seen as a strategic move to gain traction with the Jat community in Haryana, a community that holds significant political influence in the state. Furthermore, their entry could put the BJP on the defensive regarding women's safety, an issue that has been at the forefront of public discourse in recent years. The Congress is hoping to leverage the widespread popularity and respect earned by these athletes to its advantage in the upcoming election.
There is much speculation about which constituencies the wrestlers might contest. Vinesh Phogat, hailing from Charkhi Dadri, might consider contesting from her hometown. However, Julana constituency in Jind district could be a more likely choice, given her family ties and influence there. A contest in Charkhi Dadri could potentially lead to a “clash of the cousins” scenario if the BJP fields her cousin, Babita Phogat, from the same constituency. Given her current popularity, Vinesh may wish to avoid such a confrontation. Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia could be in contention for a ticket from Badli, his hometown. For the Congress, this would likely require some negotiation as it would mean the current MLA, Kuldeep Vats, stepping aside. However, Badli falls under the Rohtak Lok Sabha seat, where the Hooda faction holds considerable influence and has already begun laying the groundwork for a potential campaign.
The Congress is banking on the goodwill and influence of these two prominent wrestlers to bolster its position in Haryana. The addition of these star athletes to its roster of candidates could prove to be a significant advantage in a state where sports play a vital role in society. The party is hoping that the wrestlers' popularity and their ability to resonate with voters across different demographics will translate into tangible electoral gains. The upcoming election promises to be an interesting contest, with the potential entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia adding a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the already vibrant political landscape of Haryana.
Source: Decoding Rahul Gandhi's meet with wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia