BJP in panic mode as Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia join Congress just before Haryana elections

Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s recent decision to join the Indian National Congress has caused a political storm in Haryana ahead of the assembly elections. The move is a sharp blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is struggling to retain its footing in a politically volatile environment. The decision by these high-profile athletes to align with Congress comes after months of tension between them and the ruling party, primarily over issues related to their protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The wrestlers’ decision is being seen as a critical turning point, especially since Haryana is home to a significant wrestling community that holds substantial political influence. Congress has immediately capitalized on this move, welcoming the athletes as champions of justice and women’s rights. Vinesh Phogat, known for her vocal criticism of the BJP, said that her decision was rooted in her desire to be part of a party that stood by women during challenging times. She referenced how, during their protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, “every party except the BJP was with us,” implying that the BJP ignored their plight.

The BJP, however, has quickly dismissed this narrative as politically motivated. Haryana BJP President Mohan Lal Badoli stated that the party does not indulge in “political maneuvering” involving athletes, subtly accusing Congress of opportunism. Badoli also assured that the BJP will soon release its candidate list for the remaining seats, aiming to regain lost ground in the run-up to the elections. Meanwhile, former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh claimed that the wrestlers’ joining Congress only confirms his belief that their protests were a “politically orchestrated drama.”

Wrestlers Turn Political Players: A Calculated Move by Congress?

The decision by Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to join Congress is not just a political alignment but a direct message to the BJP. During the protests last year against Brij Bhushan Singh, both wrestlers claimed that the BJP attempted to delegitimize their movement by calling it “politically motivated.” This label by BJP leaders came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s public support for the wrestlers. Phogat and Punia both expressed that the BJP was on the side of “injustice,” making it clear why they chose Congress.

Their entry into Congress is a calculated move by the party to boost its chances in Haryana, where both wrestlers have strong followings. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and AICC in charge of Haryana Deepak Babaria were present to welcome the wrestlers, highlighting the party’s strategy of leveraging influential personalities to gain voter support. Bajrang Punia has even been appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, underlining Congress’s plan to target key voter segments.

Haryana Elections 2024: A Political Test for BJP

With the Haryana assembly elections just weeks away, the BJP faces a crucial test. The move by Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to join Congress has thrown a curveball to the ruling party, which is already dealing with internal disputes over ticket distribution and a relatively less popular leadership in the state. As the Congress party gains momentum with the backing of these prominent wrestlers, the BJP is rushing to consolidate its base.

Political analysts suggest that the entry of these athletes could be a game-changer in key constituencies. Vinesh Phogat is set to contest from the Julana constituency, a region with a significant population of voters who admire her sporting achievements. This could disrupt the BJP’s plans, particularly as it has been criticized for mishandling the wrestlers’ protests. In response, the BJP is attempting to control the narrative by emphasizing that the athletes’ move is nothing more than a “symbolic gesture” orchestrated by Congress for political gains.

Expert Opinion: Will This Impact BJP’s Stronghold?

The wrestlers joining Congress could turn the tide in some constituencies where sports and social justice are major issues. For the BJP, the challenge is to pivot quickly and focus on economic and development agendas that resonate with voters. BJP needs to act fast as the wrestlers’ shift to Congress is not just about optics; it’s about the larger narrative of justice and women’s rights.

With the elections looming and the deadline for nominations approaching, both parties are bracing for a heated battle. The Congress party seems to have found a way to tap into voter emotions with its newfound support from the wrestlers. On the other hand, the BJP is expected to focus on its core voter base while discrediting the wrestlers’ move as a mere political stunt.

Conclusion: Wrestling for Political Power

As the Haryana assembly elections near, the entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into Congress has intensified the political battle. Both athletes are not only sports icons but now also emerging as key political players, challenging the BJP’s narrative and potentially reshaping the electoral outcome in Haryana. How BJP counters this new dynamic and how effectively Congress can leverage these endorsements remains to be seen.