Wrestlers in political ring: Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia join Congress

New Delhi: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia made their official entry into politics by joining the Congress party on Friday. Their announcement of their joining was followed by a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence, alongside key party figure KC Venugopal.

After joining the Congress party, Vinesh Phogat said, "I thank Congress party...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'..."

"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" added Vinesh.

Voicing the same, Bajrang Punia said, "...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. 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 IT Cell was celebrating..."

Phogat, who recently resigned from her position with the Indian Railways, cited personal and family reasons for her exit. This move aligns with her new role in the political sphere. The two athletes also had a meeting with Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, earlier in the week.