Wrestler-turned-politician Bajrang Punia has filed a complaint with Haryana Police after receiving a threatening WhatsApp message urging him to resign from the Congress party or face “dire consequences.” The police have registered the complaint and are currently investigating the matter.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has stated that the issue will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate action will be taken against those responsible. Earlier, Punia had challenged Saini to contest the elections from the Julana constituency, questioning the ease of defeating fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Punia expressed that he and Phogat would have been regarded as “patriots” had they joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) instead of Congress. He criticized the labeling of both wrestlers as “anti-nationals” for their alignment with the opposition ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.
“We would have become patriots if we had joined the BJP, but because we have joined the Congress, they are calling us anti-nationals. We are with our leader Rahul Gandhi and his struggle. He is raising the voice of all sections, be it farmers, youth, or athletes,” Punia told ANI.
In response to the BJP’s comments regarding Congress potentially forming an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) due to a lack of confidence in winning the Haryana elections, Punia countered that the BJP, holding 240 seats at the Centre, should consider sitting in opposition if they oppose the alliance.
“If the BJP has a problem with the (Congress-AAP) alliance, then why are they in alliance at the Centre? They have 240 seats. They should sit in the opposition,” he stated.
Punia, now the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, expressed confidence in advocating for farmers’ concerns more effectively in his new role.
Earlier in the day, BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleged that the wrestlers’ decision to join Congress was part of a larger conspiracy led by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to frame him.
In response, Vinesh Phogat asserted that she does not represent the country and that the public supports her.
The elections for Haryana’s 90-member legislative assembly are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations set for September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
