‘Cong will resolve farmers’ issues when it comes to power’, says Bajrang Punia
Olympics medallist and wrestler-turned-politician Bajrang Punia, who is also working president of the All India Kisan Congress, has been on the campaign trail for many Congress candidates. He is in demand as the party’s star campaigner. From being an aggressive wrestler to an agitated activist and now a politician, Punia talked to Deepender Deswal in Hisar. Excerpts:
Why are farmers’ issues important in Assembly elections?
The BJP’s anti-farmers’ policies forced them to resort to agitation twice in the recent past. The peasantry expects the government to take measures to bail them out of the agrarian crisis. But the BJP tried to convert this crisis into an opportunity for big corporates, which stirred up the farmers. Now, farmers will teach a lesson to the BJP. I had also extended support to farmers during the stir.
But the farmers are protesting the BJP candidates during the campaign. Is it a good trend?
The farmers have the right to protest peacefully and ask questions to the candidates regarding their issues. There should not be any violent protests. Farmers are vocal against the BJP because they had to suffer.
Why did you join the Congress?
During the wrestlers’ protest, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi visited us at the dharna site. They extended support to our agitation. However, when the BJP gave ticket to the son of former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the Lok Sabha polls, we realised that we should also take the plunge if we want to take on such powerful people and clean up the mess in sports. I am sure the Congress will resolve the farmers’ issues when it comes to power. I will play the role of mediator/link between the farmers and government to resolve all issues.
But PM Modi has given assurance for the MSP on 24 crops in Haryana.
It is not sufficient...farmers need more pro-peasantry steps to rescue the farming from the present mess. The Congress has mentioned a number of measures, including the MSP guarantee in its manifesto.
Has the wrestlers’ issues resolved or not?
We will continue our struggle until justice is done in the matter in which Brij Bhushan is an accused. The case is sub judice now.
Why Vinesh Phogat, who was your aide in the wrestlers’ protest, decided to join the fray as a Congress candidate?
After the agitation and then Olympics fiasco, Vinesh returned to a rousing welcome of people. Though it was not a pre-meditated decision, we realised we should join politics to set things in order. After joining the Congress, she was offered the ticket.
