Himalayan Harbinger, National Bureau.
Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance. The announcement was made on Wednesday, amidst the backdrop of mounting political fervor.
Singh, who previously had affiliations with the Congress party, made his intentions clear as he voiced his commitment to serving the nation and its people through his new political venture. Speaking at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, he stated, “I have joined the BJP in the interest of the nation and to serve the people. I want to help more and more people.”
The event, witnessed by prominent BJP leaders including Vinod Tawde, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and Rajiv Babbar, underscored Singh’s strategic move as he gears up for potential political endeavors. Notably, Singh had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi under the Congress banner, only to be defeated by BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri.
Reports suggest that Singh was being considered as a potential candidate for the Congress party in the upcoming polls, with Mathura being touted as his potential constituency. However, his decision to align with the BJP signals a significant shift in political dynamics.
Hailing from the influential Jat community, Singh’s entry into the BJP fold holds strategic importance, especially in his home state of Haryana where the community wields considerable political clout. His cryptic social media post on March 30, wherein he expressed willingness to serve wherever the public desires, fueled speculations regarding his political alignment.
Singh’s foray into politics marks a transition from his illustrious boxing career where he carved a niche for himself in Indian sporting history. His accolades include being the nation’s first-ever boxer to clinch an Olympic medal, securing a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games. Additionally, he boasts a bronze medal from the 2009 World Championships and a gold from the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
In acknowledgment of his contributions to Indian sports, Singh was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2010. However, his journey was not without controversy, as allegations of doping surfaced in 2012, casting a shadow over his career. Nevertheless, he was acquitted of the charges, allowing him to continue his sporting pursuits unhindered.
Singh’s transition from the boxing ring to the political arena underscores his unwavering commitment to serve the nation, echoing his sentiment expressed during his tenure with the Congress party. His decision to align with the BJP sets the stage for an intriguing political journey ahead, one that could potentially reshape the landscape of Indian politics.
