At the Shambu border, Vinesh Phogat stood in solidarity with the farmers, advocating for a legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) as part of their protest.
Farmers across the country are calling for a legally binding assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, in addition to addressing other urgent agricultural concerns. The movement has garnered widespread backing from different sectors of society. It commenced on February 13 when authorities prevented the farmers from marching to Delhi and has since extended to key locations such as the Khanauri and Ratanpura borders, marking a momentous milestone of 200 days of uninterrupted protest.
Vinesh Phogat joined the protest
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, known for her incredible performances on the wrestling mat, made a powerful statement by standing in solidarity with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana on a Saturday morning. She emphasized her deep connection to the cause by expressing that as a farmer’s daughter, she intimately understood the hardships and challenges faced by farming families daily.
During her visit, Vinesh Phogat was honoured on stage by farmer leaders. This special event also celebrated the completion of 200 days of the Kisan Andolan. As a gesture of solidarity, Vinesh Phogat will be joining the ongoing farmers’ movement at the Khanuri border.
Vinesh said “Your agitation completes 200 days today. It is painful to see this. I pray to God that you get what you have come here for your right, for justice. Your daughter stands with you.”
She added “Faslon aur naslon ko bachane ke liye hum kisan aur mazdoor parivar ke saath khade hain.”Farmers should be heard and they must get their rights. We are citizens in this country and if anyone raises an issue, it should be heard. Everything should not be linked to caste or religion.”
During her leadership in the protests in Delhi last year, Phogat was supported by several farmers from different organizations when she demanded the registration of a sexual assault case against the former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. These farmers, belonging to Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh)-Haryana, BKU Ekta (Azad), BKU (Krantikari), Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, and Rajasthan Gramin Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, extended their support by courting arrest. Phogat expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that she will always stand in solidarity with the farmers and labourers of the nation.
When questioned about her disqualification from the Olympic wrestling final and the subsequent controversy, Vinesh Phogat responded, “Please focus on the farmers’ struggle today. I don’t want the attention on me. I will address it another time.”
Is Vinesh Phogat joining politics?
When asked about joining politics she held back from expressing her thoughts about her political aspirations as she stood in solidarity with the protesting farmers.
When questioned about the possibility of running in the elections on a Congress ticket from Haryana, the Indian wrestler responded with humility and concern for the farming community. She expressed, “I would rather not discuss that. I am here to support my family members, the farmers. Shifting the conversation to my candidacy would detract from their struggle. My primary concern is not about elections, but rather about advocating for the welfare of farmers as a sportsperson and a proud citizen of India.”
She added “When people raise issues, they should not be viewed through the lens of politics, religion or community. The government must listen to our family (farmers). They should have the right to speak and express their views. The demands of farmers are legitimate, as I come from a farming background and understand how my mother raised me.”
