As the 2024 Haryana Vidhan Sabha elections approach, the Congress has made significant moves to bolster its position, particularly in regions dominated by Jat and farmer communities. A key part of its strategy has been the induction of prominent athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, both renowned for their achievements in wrestling and their involvement in social justice movements. This approach has been met with both praise and criticism, revealing deeper political dynamics.
Why Congress is Relying on Athletes for Visibility
The Congress’s decision to bring athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into the political arena stems from several calculated factors. First, these sports personalities, particularly from the wrestling domain, enjoy tremendous popularity in Haryana, a state that has produced numerous wrestling champions. Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated wrestler from the famous Phogat family, not only commands respect as an athlete but also became a symbol of resistance and women’s rights during her protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh. This protest, centered on allegations of sexual harassment by Singh, brought her significant public sympathy, especially among women and youth.
Phogat and Punia’s activism aligned them with the broader discontent that many in Haryana’s rural areas feel towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly regarding issues affecting women and farmers. The Congress is aiming to capitalize on this discontent, using these athletes as figureheads to draw attention to its platform of justice and fairness. Their inclusion is a strategic move aimed at the Jat belt, which makes up a significant voting bloc in the state and has been pivotal in previous electoral outcomes.
Additionally, the farmers’ protests, which gained momentum over the past few years, have created a political vacuum. Many wrestlers, including Phogat and Punia, voiced support for the farmers’ demands, further aligning them with anti-BJP sentiment. The Congress, through its alliances with athletes, is positioning itself as the party that stands with the marginalized and oppressed, a narrative that these athletes reinforce through their stories and struggles.
Criticism and Controversy: Why the Move is Slammed
While the Congress’s reliance on athletes like Phogat has drawn considerable attention, it has also sparked backlash. Critics, particularly from the BJP, have accused the Congress of exploiting these athletes’ popularity for political gain, rather than focusing on more substantive issues. BJP supporters have downplayed the athletes’ entry into politics, suggesting that their lack of political experience may limit their effectiveness in governance. Some have even gone so far as to allege that the wrestlers’ protests were politically motivated from the start, aimed at discrediting the BJP in the run-up to the elections.
The criticism extends beyond just accusations of opportunism. By bringing in these figures, the Congress is also drawing attention to its own limitations in producing new political leaders from within the party. Some analysts argue that by relying on non-political figures like athletes, the Congress is highlighting a leadership vacuum in the state. However, the Congress counters this by framing the athletes’ participation as a move towards inclusivity and representation of the people’s voice.
Vinesh Phogat’s Role: A Symbol of Resistance
Vinesh Phogat, who is set to contest the elections from the Julana constituency, embodies the Congress’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a defender of women’s rights and justice. Phogat, who has a personal history of overcoming adversity—her father was killed when she was young—symbolizes resilience. Her recent struggle in the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Singh further amplified her image as a fighter for justice.
Phogat’s disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to weight issues was seen as a low point in her career, but her entry into politics marks a new chapter. She has expressed gratitude to the Congress for standing by her during her most challenging times, contrasting this support with what she perceives as the BJP’s failure to address women’s issues effectively. Phogat’s candidacy is seen as an attempt to merge her public persona as a wrestler with the Congress’s broader narrative of social justice.
The Broader Political Implications
The inclusion of athletes like Phogat and Punia also ties into the Congress’s ongoing efforts to unseat the BJP in Haryana, a state where the saffron party has maintained power for nearly a decade. By bringing in figures with deep connections to grassroots movements, the Congress hopes to tap into the anti-incumbency sentiment that has been brewing, especially in rural areas. This is particularly crucial in the Jat-dominated regions, where resentment towards the BJP over the handling of the farmers’ protests is still palpable.
Moreover, the Congress is attempting to consolidate opposition forces through seat-sharing discussions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This alliance, if successful, could present a formidable challenge to the BJP, especially in light of the recent leadership changes within the ruling party, including the appointment of Nayab Singh Saini as chief minister, replacing Manohar Lal Khattar.
In conclusion, the Congress’s strategy of incorporating athletes into its electoral campaign for the Haryana Vidhan Sabha election is a calculated attempt to leverage public sympathy and anti-BJP sentiment. While the move has earned both applause and criticism, it undeniably puts the Congress in the spotlight as it seeks to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state. With figures like Vinesh Phogat leading the charge, the upcoming elections promise to be a closely watched political battle.
