Speculation Grows as Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat Meet Rahul Gandhi Ahead of Haryana Polls

New Delhi: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat met with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday, amid speculation that they may be fielded as candidates in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

While the Congress has remained silent on the matter, AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, hinted that clarity would emerge by Thursday.

The party shared a photo of Gandhi with Punia and Phogat on its official X handle, fuelling further speculation.

नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi से विनेश फोगाट जी और बजरंग पुनिया जी ने मुलाकात की। pic.twitter.com/UK7HW6kLEL

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024

Punia and Phogat were prominent figures in the 2023 wrestlers’ protests against former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over sexual harassment allegations.

As of Tuesday, the Congress’ central election committee has approved candidates for 66 out of the 90 seats in Haryana. The final list of candidates is expected to be announced within a day or two.

Haryana’s assembly elections will take place on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.