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Xtra Time Web Desk: Wrestling stars Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are set to join the Indian National Congress on Friday, September 6, just ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections. This move follows their recent meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 4 in New Delhi. The Olympians also met party president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence, where Kharge expressed pride in their achievements 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

Both wrestlers were prominent in the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of harassment. BJP leaders, including Haryana's Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, have suggested that the wrestlers’ protests had political motives, with Khattar stating that it’s now "clear" they were seeking Congress tickets.

आज @Phogat_Vinesh जी और @BajrangPunia जी भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस में शामिल हुए।

आपको बधाई और भविष्य के लिए शुभकामनाएं।

???? नई दिल्ली pic.twitter.com/KZAW552hwm

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 6, 2024

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Today is a big day for the INC. It's a proud moment for all of us as we welcome Vinesh Phogat ji and Bajrang Punia ji to our Congress family.

: AICC General Secy (Org.) Shri @kcvenugopalmp pic.twitter.com/zaxe3r0SZn

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 6, 2024

Phogat, in a significant move, resigned from her position in Indian Railways, calling her tenure there "memorable and proud." Her resignation and the wrestlers’ entry into politics may strengthen Congress’ appeal, especially among Jat voters, as the party aims to benefit from anti-incumbency sentiments in the state.

The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, 2024, with results expected on October 8.

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