Vinesh Phogat Embraces Politics After Olympic Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat Embraces Politics After Olympic Heartbreak

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who suffered a heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, has embarked on a new chapter in her life by joining the Congress party and announcing her political debut.

Phogat’s decision to retire from wrestling after the Olympic setback has led her to seek a new path in politics. She has filed her nomination for the upcoming Haryana elections, contesting from the Julana Constituency in Jind.

An affidavit submitted by Phogat during her nomination filing reveals insights into her financial status. She owns three cars: a Volvo XC 60 (valued at Rs 35 lakh), a Hyundai Creta (valued at Rs 12 lakh), and a Toyota Innova (valued at Rs 17 lakh). She is also repaying a loan related to one of her cars.

Phogat’s immovable property is valued at Rs 2 crore. She has Rs 1.95 lakh in hand and her Income Tax returns for the financial year 2023-24 show an income of Rs 13,85,000.

Phogat’s uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestling coach, expressed his support for her political aspirations. He stated that his daughter, Sangeeta Phogat, will now carry forward his dream of an Olympic medal in wrestling, as he prepares her for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Last Friday, Phogat and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia (Sangeeta’s husband) joined the Congress party. Phogat will make her electoral debut from Julana in Jind district.

Mahavir Phogat emphasized that Sangeeta will now focus on the 2028 Olympics, as Vinesh’s political career has opened up a new opportunity for her. He also mentioned that Babita Phogat’s knee injuries have hindered her return to the mat.

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The resignation comes amid speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

Phogat, 30, is a renowned wrestler who has won numerous medals at the international level, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. She was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams, a decision that she appealed against but was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In her resignation letter, Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. She stated that she was unable to perform her duties as OSD due to family circumstances and personal reasons. She requested that her resignation be accepted with immediate effect and that one month’s salary be deposited in lieu of her one month’s notice period.

Phogat’s resignation has sparked speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the Haryana assembly elections next month. She met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, leading to widespread rumors of her political ambitions.

If Phogat does join the Congress party, it would be a significant boost for the party’s campaign in Haryana. She is a popular figure in the state and has a strong following among the youth. Her decision to enter politics could also inspire other athletes to consider a career in public service.

Yusuf Pathan: From Cricket Star to Political Challenger in Baharampur

Yusuf Pathan: From Cricket Star to Political Challenger in Baharampur

Former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan, now a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat, is determined to make a mark in politics and connect with the people of the constituency. Having retired from all forms of cricket in February 2021, Pathan feels a growing sense of strength and confidence with each passing day in Baharampur.

“I am blessed to have come to a place where people are telling me, ‘aap ko hum yahan se jaane nahi denge’ (we won’t let you leave us),” said Pathan, known for his towering sixes. “People here have already accepted me as their son, brother, or friend. I will stick with them no matter the outcome of the polls. I will be with them for a better future they deserve. These people are my strength, and ‘inshallah,’ I will win.”

Pathan is contesting against Congress veteran and incumbent Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has held the Baharampur seat for 25 years. Pathan respects Chowdhury’s experience but believes that the people of Baharampur are dissatisfied with his absence from the grassroots during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People here allege that Mr. Chowdhury failed to bring in the required central grants to create infrastructure and employment opportunities,” said Pathan. “There’s not enough work for people, and the MP of 25 years should answer people why he failed.”

Pathan has identified several priority areas for his work if elected, including creating job opportunities to retain migrant workers, building a world-class sports complex, developing infrastructure for local silk, thermocol, and jute industry workers, and creating a support system for farmers.

“I have a lot of work to do here,” said Pathan. “I have figured that out in my short presence in the region, during my poll campaigns and interactions with people.”

Pathan’s entry into politics was a surprise to many, but he says it was a natural progression after his cricketing career ended. “Cricket toh khatam ho gaya, kuch toh karna tha (my cricketing days were over, and I had to do something),” he said.

Pathan consulted with his family and friends before accepting the TMC’s offer. He realized that politics could be an opportunity to serve the people and give back to society what he earned in terms of love and respect during his cricketing days.

Pathan maintains that he has been familiar with Mamata Banerjee’s politics for over a decade, particularly since he began playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in 2011. He believes that Banerjee’s civic infrastructure developments in Kolkata and her work in areas of women’s education and poverty alleviation made it easy for him to accept her offer.

Pathan dismisses the notion that his religious identity as a devout Muslim gives him an edge in a Muslim-majority seat like Baharampur. “I have respect for every religion in this country, but people should not be treated as vote banks based on their religious identities,” he said. “Elections should be fought for both majority and minority communities, not for one or the other. The priority should be the growth of the economy and development of people so that we can build a future for our next generation.”

Despite bidding adieu to professional cricket, Pathan remains deeply attached to the sport. He believes that his identity as a cricketer will continue to dominate his newfound love for politics. “Both my identities are important, none of which I can hide,” he said. “But, people will always consider me a cricketer first. They have seen me play and loved me for my performances in the middle. Now, they can expect me to serve them as one of their own.”

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates; Electoral Bond Controversy, AAP Office Blockade

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates; Electoral Bond Controversy, AAP Office Blockade

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls; Electoral Bond Controversy Rages

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have released their fourth and third lists of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, respectively. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh will contest from Rajgarh, while Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai will run from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi seat.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) is investigating allegations that electoral bonds were used to influence project clearances in Telangana. The report submitted to the EC suggests a link between bond purchases and the award of contracts to donor companies.

The Congress has also accused the BJP of legalizing bribes through electoral bonds, claiming that they facilitate “prepaid, postpaid, and post-raid bribes.” An analysis of State Bank of India data reveals that 38 corporate groups received government contracts worth ₹3.8 lakh crore after donating electoral bonds to the BJP.

In other developments, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns with the CEC over the Delhi Police blocking access to its office after the arrest of party chief Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP has sought a meeting to present their grievances.

Munnar, known for its misty mornings, has experienced an unusual lack of frost this winter, marking a departure from its usual pattern. Data from the United Planters Association of South India tea research center shows that no sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Munnar town this year.

In Bihar, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has shortlisted candidates for its 16 constituencies, with several incumbents being repeated. The party president and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has opted to retain many candidates, barring a few seats.

The Karnataka government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Centre for denying financial assistance for drought management in the state. The move is expected to trigger a political debate ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar has maintained an ambivalent stance towards forging an alliance with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The VBA will announce its decision on March 26 on whether it will contest the elections independently or join the MVA.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP will deploy women members from the Muslim community as agents on minority-dominant polling booths to prevent bogus voting. The BJP Minority Morcha has planned this initiative, focusing on areas where the party claims to have received reports of bogus voting in previous elections.

Yusuf Pathan Enters Politics, Contests Lok Sabha Polls from Baharampur

Yusuf Pathan Enters Politics, Contests Lok Sabha Polls from Baharampur

Former Indian cricket all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has embarked on a new chapter in his life, announcing his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from the Baharampur constituency under the banner of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as Baharampur has traditionally been a Congress stronghold.

Pathan’s decision to enter politics has been met with mixed reactions. His brother, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, expressed his support on social media, praising Yusuf’s compassion and dedication to serving others. However, Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who currently represents Baharampur, questioned the TMC’s motives, suggesting that Pathan’s nomination was a ploy to polarize voters and benefit the BJP.

The TMC’s decision to field Pathan in Baharampur is seen as a strategic move to challenge the Congress’s dominance in the region. The TMC and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance, but seat-sharing negotiations have stalled in Bengal. The TMC is believed to have offered Baharampur and another seat to the Congress, but the grand old party demanded a larger share.

Pathan’s entry into politics has added a new dimension to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. His popularity as a cricketer and his reputation for social work could potentially sway voters in his favor. However, he will face a tough challenge from Chowdhury, who has a strong base in Baharampur and is known for his vocal opposition to the TMC government.

The outcome of the Baharampur contest will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the overall political landscape in Bengal. If Pathan is successful, it will be a major setback for the Congress and a boost for the TMC. Conversely, a victory for Chowdhury would reaffirm the Congress’s hold on Baharampur and deal a blow to the TMC’s ambitions.

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