Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 04, 2024, 06:20 PM
Haryana Election 2024: Amid speculations of joining the Congress party on the occasion of Haryana assembly elections, noted wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday. Rahul Gandhi interacted with both the players for about 15 minutes, after which they reached the residence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.Former Congress chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda welcomed Vinesh Phogat into the party, saying that athletes do not belong to any party, and the Congress's door is open to all. Deepender Hooda also welcomed Vinesh and supported her struggle against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.Vinesh and Bajrang Punia, who led protests over sexual harassment allegations in 2023, have met ahead of the finalization of the list of candidates by the Congress' Central Election Committee. The Congress is considering an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana, but the dispute over the number of seats continues.Voting will be held on October 5 for 90 assembly seats in Haryana and the results will be declared on October 8.Earlier, after returning from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh met former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda. Hooda had said that the Congress welcomes all those who want to join the party. Hooda had said, 'An athlete does not belong to any particular party or state. An athlete belongs to the whole country. It is her wish that she joins a party. Whoever comes to the Congress party, we always welcome him. It is her decision what she wants to do. 'Deepender Hooda was the first to meet VineshAfter returning from the Paris Olympics, Congress leaders were seen with Vinesh Phogat. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda was the first leader to reach Delhi's IGI Airport, who welcomed her with Hanuman Gada, a symbol of victory. Dipendra had strongly supported the protest by Vinesh and other wrestlers, most of whom were from Haryana, over allegations of sexual harassment against then Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.Punia and Phogat were part of the protest against former BJP MP and then Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment in 2023. The Congress Central Election Committee has approved the names of candidates for 66 out of 90 seats till Tuesday. Although the names have not been announced, the list of Congress candidates is going to be released in a day or two.Congress wants alliance with AAP in HaryanaCongress is in talks with Aam Aadmi Party for an alliance for the Haryana assembly elections. Congress is considering an alliance under the India Block in the state, but the seat sharing seems to be a deadlock. It is being said that Congress is ready to give seven seats to Aam Aadmi Party, but AAP is adamant on the demand of 10 seats. Voting for the 90 assembly seats of Haryana will be held on October 5 and counting of votes will take place on October 8.