Shruti Suman
New Delhi: Delivering another blow to the Congress just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, boxer Vijender Singh has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Olympic athlete had previously aligned with the Congress in 2019 but faced defeat in the general elections from the South Delhi constituency, losing to the BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri.
Sources reveal that the Congress had intended to nominate the 38-year-old against BJP MP Hema Malini, who is set to run again for the Mathura seat. This move is anticipated to assist the BJP in securing votes from the Jat community, particularly crucial in Haryana and Western UP. Mr. Singh is expected to actively campaign for the BJP in these regions.
Mr. Singh, who clinched India’s first Olympic boxing medal – a bronze – at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, expressed his sentiments in Hindi upon joining the BJP in the presence of party General Secretary Vinod Tawde. He stated, “This feels like a homecoming for me. I contested the elections in 2019, and it’s good to be back. The respect that athletes receive now, both domestically and internationally, is commendable.”
“I extend my gratitude to PM Modi and the BJP for the recognition athletes receive under this administration. I wish to contribute to this government, aid people, and guide them in the right direction. I remain the same Vijender, willing to speak the truth,” he added.
