Vinesh Phogat, Olympic wrestler, and Bajrang Punia, Indian wrestler, joined the Congress party in New Delhi on September 6, 2024. In response, the party announced Phogat as their candidate for the Julana constituency in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress and is unlikely to run in the Haryana polls. The party also released its first list of candidates for the elections, including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State unit chief Udai Bhan.
Indian National Congress Strengthens Position in Haryana with New Members and Candidate Announcements
On September 6, 2024, the Indian National Congress (INC) welcomed Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia into its ranks. The party's announcement came at a press conference held in New Delhi.
Phogat's Candidacy for Julana Constituency
Following their induction into the party, the INC announced that Vinesh Phogat would be their candidate for the Julana constituency in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Phogat expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work tirelessly for the people of Julana.
Punia Appointed as Working Chairman of All India Kisan Congress
While Bajrang Punia joined the party, he was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, the agricultural wing of the INC. This suggests that Punia will likely not run in the Haryana polls, but instead focus on supporting farmers and rural development across the country.
Release of First List of Candidates
The INC also released its first list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections. Among the notable names include former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State unit chief Udai Bhan. The complete list of candidates is expected to be released in the coming days.
Background
The INC has been working to strengthen its position in Haryana ahead of the upcoming elections. The party has appointed former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as its state unit chief in March 2024. Hooda, who has served as Chief Minister for two terms, is a veteran politician and enjoys considerable support in the state.
The addition of Phogat and Punia to the party is seen as a strategic move to appeal to a wider base of voters, particularly in rural areas. Phogat is a renowned wrestler who has won several medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships. Punia is an Olympic medalist and one of India's most successful wrestlers.
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