Vijender Singh, Rahul Gandhi's yatra participant, leaves Congress and joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Olympic medallist boxer and Congress leader Vijender Singh has joined the BJP. Earlier, there was speculation that Singh might contest from Mathura against BJP’s Hema Malini, who is seeking re-election for the third time. Singh, currently a professional boxer competing internationally, expressed his admiration for the BJP government's support for athletes, calling his return to the party a "homecoming" after five years since his 2019 electoral bid.

"After joining BJP, Boxer Vijender Singh says, "I have joined BJP today for the development of the country and to serve the people," Singh said after joining BJP.

Singh was welcomed into the BJP by the party's national General Secretary Vinod Tawde. Last week, Singh's post on X indicated his readiness to go wherever the public demanded.


He recently participated in the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, first in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, and then in Karnal district, Haryana. Photos and videos from the yatra showed Singh and Gandhi interacting and even twirling their moustaches, a nod to Singh's Haryanvi heritage. Singh had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha election unsuccessfully from the South Delhi constituency as a Congress candidate.

Hailing from the Jat community in Haryana, Singh's move to the BJP could have political implications in regions like western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. With roots in Bhiwani district, Haryana, Singh contested the last Lok Sabha election from South Delhi, securing third place. He boasts two silver and one bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games, underscoring his prominence in both sports and politics.