'All parties except…': Vinesh Phogat attacks BJP after joining Congress
What's the story
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party on Friday, ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
During the event, Phogat criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged treatment of wrestlers during their protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
"When we were being dragged on the roads, every party except BJP was with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women" she said.
Protest backlash
Phogat criticizes BJP's response to wrestlers' protest
Phogat also accused the BJP of spreading misinformation during the wrestlers' protest.
"They said our career was over, that we didn't want to play nationals. But I played nationals, played Olympics too," she stated.
Punia echoed these sentiments, alleging that despite inviting female MPs from the BJP to their protest, none showed up.
"Congress stood with us. BJP stood by the injustice done to daughters," he added.
Party support
Phogat expresses pride in joining Congress
He also alleged that the BJP celebrated Phogat's exit from the Olympics.
"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," the wrestler said.
Speaking about her disqualification from the games, Phogat said, "God possibly had a different plan."
She was disqualified after she was found 100gm overweight during the weigh-in on the day of her gold medal match in the women's 50kg wrestling.
Twitter Post
The fight is continuing, says Phogat
#WATCH | After joining the Congress party, Vinesh Phogat says, "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… pic.twitter.com/WRKn5Aufv2
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024
Seats
Seats the wrestlers are likely to contest s
Phogat had also resigned from his position as an officer on special duty (OSD) with the Northern Railways just hours before joining Congress, citing personal reasons.
While no formal declaration has been made, Phogat is expected to contest from the Julana constituency, which is being held by the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), while Punia would most likely run from the Badli seat.
Haryana will go to the polls on October 5.