Vinesh Phogat, the renowned wrestler, visited the farmers’ protest site at the Shambhu border near Ambala on Saturday, fueling speculation about her potential entry into politics ahead of the upcoming Haryana Legislative Assembly elections. However, Phogat was quick to downplay any political ambitions, stating that her primary focus remains on the ongoing farmers’ protest, not on electoral matters.
“I don’t want to talk about [politics]. I have come to meet my family members (farmers), and if you spin it, their fight and struggle will be wasted,” she told the media. Phogat emphasized that the spotlight should remain on the farmers’ cause rather than on her personal trajectory. “I am a sportsperson and a citizen of India; elections are not my concern. My only focus is on the welfare of farmers.”
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The protest at the Shambhu border has been ongoing since February 13, reaching its 200th day on August 31. The farmers are advocating for various agricultural demands, and Vinesh Phogat’s presence at the site shows solidarity with their cause.
Earlier, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, leader of the Opposition and former chief minister of Haryana, dismissed speculations that Phogat might join the Congress, calling the rumors “hypothetical.”
At the protest, Phogat highlighted the importance of separating political interests from legitimate issues raised by the farming community. “When people raise issues, they should not be viewed through the lens of politics, religion, or community,” she said. Phogat comes from a farming background and noted how her own upbringing shapes her understanding of the farmers’ demands. “The government must listen to our family (farmers). The demands of the farmers are legitimate.”
Meanwhile, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced plans for upcoming mahapanchayats in Jind on September 15 and in Pipli on September 22, as the farmers’ protest continues. Pandher also called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to reopen the Delhi-Haryana border, indicating the protest would advance toward Delhi as the movement completes 200 days.
