Kurukshetra:

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Sunday that the Congress is going to be “wiped out” no matter how many alliances it makes for the October 5 Assembly elections.

About the ongoing talks between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to forge a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections, CM Saini said that the two parties are “stuck in the quagmire of corruption” and are serving their “own interests by deceiving the people”.

He said that the BJP is “going to form government in Haryana for the third time with a big mandate”.

Hitting out at the Congress and AAP, CM Saini said that people have realised that “they cannot do good to anyone, neither the state nor the people of the state; they can do good only to themselves”.

About the threat to wrestler Bajrang Punia, who recently joined the Congress, CM Saini said: “We will get it investigated and take action against whoever is found guilty, no one will be spared.”

According to CM Saini, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a rally in Kurukshetra on September 14.

The Haryana CM said that the BJP will release its second list soon and there will be “no change in the tickets of candidates contesting the elections”.

Polling for the elections to the 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled to be held on October 5.

The last date of submission for nominations is September 12, while the scrutiny will be conducted on September 13. The last date for withdrawing nominations is September 16.

The ballots will be counted on October 8.

Earlier in the day, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed confidence that BJP will form the government for the third consecutive term in the state. The former Haryana CM told reported in Karnal that in the coming days, the state will witness rallies by Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several Chief Ministers and Ministers.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Chandigarh:

Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia, who joined the Congress, has received a threat message over WhatsApp warning him with dire consequences, police said on Sunday.

Bajrang Punia has filed a complaint at Bahalgarh police station in Sonipat.

A police official said they received a complaint from Bajrang Punia after which they launched an investigation.

When asked that some reports say that in the threat message Bajrang Punia was asked to quit Congress or be prepared to face dire consequences, Bahalgarh police station SHO Madan Singh said, “The matter is under investigation.”.

Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat entered the political arena on Friday by joining the Congress.

The party later fielded Phogat from Julana seat for the Haryana Assembly polls while Bajrang Punia was appointed as working chairman of All India Kisan Congress.

Bajrang Punia won bronze in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Polling for 90 seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the votes counted on October 8.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

In response to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia’s decision to join Congress, Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli said that players are the pride of our country and that the party does not do politics on them.

“Players are the pride of our country, we don’t do politics on them. They will work as a member of Congress after joining,” the Haryana BJP president told the news agency ANI on Friday.

#WATCH | Delhi: Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli said, “…We will announce the next list for the Haryana Assembly elections soon…”

On Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli said, “Players are the pride of our country, we… pic.twitter.com/wOoBvYN5I7

— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024

In a big boost ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress on Friday.

Within hours of his joining the party, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress, while Vinesh Phogat was announced as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency.

Mr Punia and Ms Phogat joined the Congress in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Udai Bhan, and AICC incharge of Haryana Deepak Babaria.

Vinesh Phogat recalled women wrestlers’ fight over sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. “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,” she said.

The two well-known wrestlers joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls.

Mr Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final.

Ms Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a short while after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games after being found overweight by about 100 gm in her 50-kg category weigh-in ahead of the gold medal match.

Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. Votes will be counted on October 8.

New Delhi:

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that Vinesh Phogat joining the Congress and getting a ticket to contest the Haryana Assembly elections is proof that the sexual harassment charges and the wrestlers’ protest were a conspiracy against him by the party. 

The former Wrestling Federation of India chief has also alleged that Ms Phogat violated rules by trying out for two different weight categories for the Olympics on the same day and hinted that her disqualification ahead of the final bout was a “result given by god”.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were at the forefront of the wrestlers’ protests against Mr Singh last year, joined the Congress on Friday and, hours later, Ms Phogat was announced as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency while Mr Punia has been appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Brij Bhushan Singh said in Hindi, “When the protests began on 18 January, 2023, I had said on day one that it is not a protest by wrestlers and the Congress is behind it. Especially (Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister) Bhupinder Hooda, (his son and MP) Deepender Hooda and Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi. Now that has been proven true.”

“The protest and the conspiracy against me had the involvement of the Congress and it was led by Bhupinder Hooda. I want to tell the people of Haryana that Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did not protest for the respect of the girls… because of this, the daughters of Haryana are having to face shame. The Congress leaders and protesters are responsible for this. They used the daughters and hurt the respect of female wrestlers for political reasons. The script was written by the Congress,” he alleged. 

In the wake of the allegations and the protests, the three-time BJP MP had been denied a ticket for the Lok Sabha polls from his seat of Kaisergant in Uttar Pradesh. His son, Karan Bhushan Singh, was fielded instead and had emerged victorious. 

Insisting that the allegations against him are false and he was not in Delhi on the days on which he was accused of sexually harassing wrestlers, Brij Bhushan Singh said that the court will give its ruling. 

‘Violated Rules’

Ms Phogat had missed out on what would have been at least a silver medal after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams ahead of the final bout in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics. She had defeated reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki of Japan on the road to the finals and her disqualification had broken a billion hearts. 

When Mr Singh was asked about this, he pointed out that he had said even earlier that a wrestler cannot give his or her weight for two categories on the same day as per the rules of governing body UWW (United World Wrestling).

“Vinesh Phogat appeared for trials in two weight categories on the same day. She kept the trials on hold for five hours. After losing in the 53 kg category 10-0, she fought in the 50kg category. Shivani Pawar was winning 5-1 but a commotion was created and the referees engaged in dishonesty and declared Ms Phogat the winner, and the result for this was given by God there,” he claimed.

Alleging that Ms Phogat had meted out injustice to wrestlers by doing what she had done at the trials, Mr Singh said that her entry into the Congress would not yield dividends for the party in the Haryana elections. 

‘Dragged On Road’

After joining the Congress on Friday, Ms Phogat had said that when the wrestlers were “dragged on the roads” during the protests, every party had stood with them, except the BJP.

“I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears… I am very proud to be associated with a party that stands up against misbehaviour and injustice against women,” she had said in Hindi. 

Voting will be held in Haryana for the 90 Assembly seats on October 5 and counting will be done on October 8. 

(With ANI inputs)

New Delhi:

In a major development, Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia was appointed the Working Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress on Friday.

“Hon’ble Congress President has approved the proposal of the appointment of Shri Bajrang Punia as the Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress with immediate effect,” read the official letter issued by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal.

Thanking Congress President Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and K.C. Venugopal for the new role assigned to him, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist said in a post on X: “I would like to thank our President Mr. @kharge, Leader of the Opposition @RahulGandhi, and @kcvenugopalmp for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. I will strive to stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers facing crises, supporting their struggles, and work as a dedicated soldier of the organisation. Jai Kisan.”

The appointment, which followed Punia and his fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat joining the Congress on Friday afternoon, is being seen as a significant move in light of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana scheduled on October 5.

The grappler duo met Congress President Kharge at his residence on Friday afternoon before formally joining the party at its headquarters in Delhi.

“Chak de India, Chak de Haryana! Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have made India proud in the world, at 10, Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you,” Kharge posted on X after the meeting.

Both the Olympians, who were prominent faces of last year’s protests against alleged sexual assault and intimidation of female wrestlers by ex-Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the party office after joining the Congress, Phogat said it is only when times are bad that people know who is really standing with them.

Punia said the Congress backed the wrestlers during their protest without even being asked to do so, while the BJP MPs ignored the letters seeking their support.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia quit their posts in the Northern Railways hours before joining the Congress on Friday, but sources in the railways have told NDTV that the resignations have not been accepted yet. While the sources did not say that the resignations would not be accepted, they added that Ms Phogat and Mr Punia cannot join any party or contest elections until that is done. 

Ahead of formally joining the Congress, Ms Phogat resigned as an officer on special duty (OSD) sports with the Northern Railways, citing personal reasons. 

Posting a photo of her resignation letter, the wrestler wrote on X: “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from my service in the railways and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways. I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity given to me by the Railways in the service of the nation.”

The sources said Mr Punia also resigned from the same post around the same time.

“Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have taken membership of the Congress party without the railways approving their resignations. As per service rules, until the resignations are approved by the Railways, they cannot contest elections and cannot join any party,” said a source. 

The sources also contested Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal’s claim made during the press conference announcing the wrestlers’ joining that Ms Phogat had received a show-cause notice from the Railways after submitting her resignation.

“What was the reason? Yesterday, the media printed her photo with Rahul Gandhi. Is it a crime to stand with the leader of opposition in this country? They hadn’t told anybody. The Railways is running behind rumours. They are saying that there is news that ‘you (Ms Phogat) are going to contest the (Haryana) elections and you cannot do that. Give an explanation’… Bajrang also got it (a notice),” Mr Venugopal said.

“The railway authorities should not play politics on all these issues. They (Ms Phogat and Mr Punia) have already resigned, do the formalities and relieve them,” he added.

The railway sources, however, said that the notices were not issued on Friday, but on Wednesday, and spoke about the wrestlers being involved in political activities, which is not allowed as per service rules. 

“They were asked to reply and, after that, both of them submitted their resignation today (on Friday),” said a source. 

‘Grateful For Support’

Joining the Congress, Ms Phogat, who, along with Mr Punia and others, had led last year’s protests against the alleged sexual assault and intimidation by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had said she was proud to be associated with a party that “stands up against misbehaviour and injustice against women”.

“I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears,” she said in Hindi.

The wrestlers’ move comes ahead of the Assembly elections in Haryana and sources have said that at least one of them will contest the polls, which will be held on October 5.

New Delhi:

Shaking up the political landscape in Haryana weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress. 

Both Olympians, who had been at the forefront of last year’s protests against the alleged sexual assault and intimidation by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had met senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday.

On Friday, Ms Phogat and Mr Punia, who are both 30 years old, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence before formally joining the party at its headquarters in New Delhi. 

“Chak de India, Chak de Haryana! Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have made India proud in the world, at 10, Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you,” Mr Kharge posted in Hindi on X. 

चक दे इंडिया, चक दे हरियाणा!

दुनिया में भारत का नाम रौशन करने वाले हमारे प्रतिभाशाली चैंपियन विनेश फोगाट और बजरंग पुनिया से 10 राजाजी मार्ग पर मुलाक़ात।

हमें आप दोनों पर गर्व है। pic.twitter.com/aFRwfFeeo1

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 6, 2024

Speaking at the event at the Congress office, Ms Phogat said it is only when times are bad that people know who is really standing with them. 

“I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears,” she said in Hindi.

“I am very proud to be associated with a party that stands up against misbehaviour and injustice against women… I want to assure the people of the country that we will work for them with the same intensity with which we worked in wrestling. We stand with every woman who finds herself helpless. If I wanted, I could have left wrestling at Jantar Mantar (during the protests) but I reached the finals of the Olympics… but God had other plans. He has now given me a chance to serve the people of my country,” she added.

Mr Punia said the Congress backed the wrestlers during their protest without even being asked to while BJP MPs ignored letters seeking their support.

“We are paying the price for raising our voice in support of the daughters of the country… We will keep working for the people of the country and strengthen the Congress party as well as India. Everyone was happy when Vinesh Phogat reached the finals but some people also celebrated when she was disqualified,” he said.

While no official announcement has been made yet, Ms Phogat is expected to contest from the Julana constituency, held by the Jannayak Janta Party, in the Haryana Assembly polls while Mr Punia is likely to be fielded from the Badli seat.

Resignation From Railways

Hours before joining the Congress, Ms Phogat resigned as an officer on special duty (OSD) with the Northern Railways, citing personal reasons. 

Posting a photo of her resignation letter, the wrestler wrote on X: “Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from my service in the railways and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways. I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity given to me by the Railways in the service of the nation.

Ms Phogat’s popularity has received a boost recently after she missed out on what would have been at least a silver medal after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams ahead of the final bout in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event. The grit shown by the wrestler in defeating reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki of Japan and going on to enter the final had earned her plaudits while her eventual disqualification had broken a billion hearts. 

Farmers’ Support

Ms Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling after the disqualification and all eyes had been on her next steps. Last week, she reached the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, extended her support to farmers staging a protest for a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and said she stood with them as their daughter. 

“Your agitation completes 200 days today. I pray to God that you get what you have come here for – your right, for justice…Your daughter stands with you. I also urge the government… we too are citizens of this country, if we raise our voices it is not political every time…You should hear them…What they are demanding is not unlawful,” she had said. 

Boost To Congress

The entry of the wrestlers into the Congress is expected to give it a boost as Ms Phogat is seen to enjoy support among farmers, who make up a significant voting bloc in Haryana. The Congress is hoping that the farmers’ anger against the BJP will help it dislodge the party from a state it has ruled since 2014. 

The Congress will also hope that Mr Punia and Ms Phogat joining the party will give it an upper hand in its negotiations with INDIA ally AAP in seat-sharing for the 90 constituencies in the state. While an in-principle agreement regarding an alliance had been announced on Wednesday, there appears to be a stalemate between the two parties with the AAP seeking 10 seats and the Congress willing to give up only five to seven. 

Upbeat after winning five out of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana this year after the BJP’s clean sweep in 2019, the state unit of the Congress was reluctant to part with any Assembly constituencies but the push for a tie-up has reportedly come from Rahul Gandhi, who has maintained that it will ensure there is no division of votes and give the party its best possible chance to defeat the BJP. 

Differences within the Congress have reportedly delayed its first list of candidates and the BJP has been facing pushback and a rebellion since it did so on Wednesday, with Energy Minister Ranjit Chautala and MLA Lakshman Napa quitting the party after being denied tickets. Mr Chautala has said he will contest as an Independent and Mr Napa has announced that he will be joining the Congress.

Mr Chautala is the son of Chaudhary Devi Lal Chaudhary, one of Haryana’s tallest leaders, who served as chief minister twice and was also a deputy prime minister.

New Delhi:

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress Wednesday afternoon and will contest next month’s Haryana Assembly election. Ms Phogat is expected to challenge for the Julana seat held by the Jannayak Janta Party’s Amarjeet Dhanda. Mr Punia’s likely seat is unclear. The two met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today, after which news of their political and electoral debut was confirmed.

Ms Phogat and Mr Punia made headlines last year after leading protests against former wrestling body chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who faces charges of sexual assault and intimidation. He was also a BJP MP at the time but was denied a ticket to defend Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP, instead, fielded his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, who won the seat.

The Congress will hope that bringing Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia onboard will strengthen its appeal among voters in the Hindi heartland state, which the BJP has ruled since 2014. Ms Phogat’s connect with Haryana farmers – lakhs of whom continue to protest against the BJP on issues like legal guarantees for MSP – will also have been a factor in the Congress’ consideration.

Last week Ms Phogat visited farmers camped out at a protest site in Shambhu on the Haryana-Delhi border, describing herself as “your daughter” and saying she prays to God to deliver justice for them.

“Your agitation completes 200 days today. I pray to God that you get what you came for – justice. Your daughter stands with you. I also urge the government… we too are citizens of India and just because we raise our voices it is not political,” she said, “You (the government) should hear them.”

Then, though, when asked about her political debut, Ms Phogat was circumspect.

“I will not speak on this… I will not talk about politics. I have come to see my family. If you (the press) insist on talking about this you will take focus away from their (the farmers’) struggle. The focus is not on me today. The focus should be on the farmers, I request this…” she said.

Vinesh Phogat said that she is “grateful” for receiving such love and respect from fans.© PTI

Former India wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, following her disqualification from the just-concluded Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, August 17, with thousands gathered outside to welcome her. Vinesh’s family members, including her mother, had arrived at the airport hours before the wrestler’s arrival. In view of Vinesh Phogat coming to India on Saturday, security was tightened at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Vinesh is also scheduled to leave for her village, Balali, later in the day.

Upon her arrival, thousands, including fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, gathered at the airport to welcome her. In a viral video, Vinesh broke down in tears seeing her family and close ones.

“I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate,” said Vinesh.

#WATCH | Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat breaks down as she arrives at Delhi’s IGI Airport from Paris after participating in the #Olympics2024Paris. pic.twitter.com/ec73PQn7jG

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2024

Vinesh had assured India of a medal after reaching the final of the Women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, in a heartbreaking twist of tale, Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the second weigh-in on the day of her gold-medal match. She had also requested to be awarded a joint silver medal, but her plea was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

On the eve of her arrival in India, Vinesh had expressed her deep sorrow over missing out on the Olympic podium, linking her personal disappointment to the broader struggle for women’s rights in India, which she had championed in her protests against the former wrestling federation chief.

In a three-page letter posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, Phogat hinted at a possible return to the sport in the future, leaving the door slightly ajar despite her earlier decision to retire.

The circumstances leading to Phogat’s disqualification have been detailed by her coach, Woller Akos, who described the intense efforts made to help her meet the weight requirement. Akos, who coached Phogat during the Paris Games, revealed in a now-deleted Facebook post that the night before the final weigh-in, the wrestler underwent a grueling and dangerous weight-cutting process.

“After the semi-final, 2.7 kg of excess weight was left; we exercised for one hour and twenty minutes, but 1.5 kg still remained. Later, after 50 minutes of sauna, not a drop of sweat appeared on her. There was no choice left, and from midnight to 5:30 in the morning, she worked on different cardio machines and wrestling moves, about three-quarters of an hour at one go, with two-three minutes of rest. Then she started again. She collapsed, but somehow we got her up, and she spent an hour in the sauna,” Akos wrote in a now deleted Facebook post, adding, “I don’t intentionally write dramatic details, but I only remember thinking that she might die.”

(With IANS Inputs)