The Crossbill News Desk
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (September 4) met with wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, sparking speculation about their potential entry into the Congress party. The meeting took place just before Gandhi's departure to Kashmir. The development coincides with the Congress' Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Monday to finalize its list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.
In a post on X, the Congress party stated, “Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia.”
After returning from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat had previously met with former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who remarked that the Congress welcomes all individuals interested in joining the party.
Previously, Hooda had said “An athlete does not belong to any particular party or state. An athlete belongs to the entire nation. She belongs to entire nation. It is her choice whether she joins any party or not. Whoever comes to Congress party, we always welcome him or her. It is her decision what she wants to do,” The Indian Express reported.
Since the 29-year-old wrestler's return to India, Congress leaders have frequently been seen with her. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda was the first political figure to greet her at IGI Airport in Delhi, presenting her with a 'Hanuman Gada,' a symbol of victory.
Deepender had strongly supported Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers, primarily from Haryana, in their protest against Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and the then Wrestling Federation of India chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and over allegations of sexual harassment.
In a post on X, the Congress party stated, “Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia.”
नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi से विनेश फोगाट जी और बजरंग पुनिया जी ने मुलाकात की। pic.twitter.com/UK7HW6kLEL
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024
After returning from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat had previously met with former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who remarked that the Congress welcomes all individuals interested in joining the party.
Previously, Hooda had said “An athlete does not belong to any particular party or state. An athlete belongs to the entire nation. She belongs to entire nation. It is her choice whether she joins any party or not. Whoever comes to Congress party, we always welcome him or her. It is her decision what she wants to do,” The Indian Express reported.
Since the 29-year-old wrestler's return to India, Congress leaders have frequently been seen with her. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda was the first political figure to greet her at IGI Airport in Delhi, presenting her with a 'Hanuman Gada,' a symbol of victory.
Deepender had strongly supported Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers, primarily from Haryana, in their protest against Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and the then Wrestling Federation of India chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and over allegations of sexual harassment.
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