Chandigarh: As speculation grows about wrestler Vinesh Phogat's possible entry into politics, the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, could witness significant shifts. If Phogat, who actively participated in the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations, decides to contest, it may intensify the controversy surrounding the former WFI chief.

Phogat's involvement in these protests and her support for farmers' movements have led to speculation that she may align with the Congress party. Her entry into politics could be a game-changer, especially given the anti-incumbency sentiment, ongoing farmers' protests, and the discontent among government employees.

Phogat, who hails from a family with a political background, has hinted at the pressure to join politics but has yet to make a final decision. Her cousin, Babita Phogat, who contested the 2019 Haryana Assembly election on a BJP ticket, has expressed differing views on the protests and the Congress, highlighting a potential rivalry if Vinesh contests from the Dadri constituency.

The Congress, which benefited from the discontent among the Jat community and farmers in the recent Lok Sabha elections, has shown interest in Vinesh Phogat joining its ranks.

Senior Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepender Singh Hooda, have welcomed the idea of her entering politics.

As the Haryana Assembly polls approach, Vinesh Phogat's decision could play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral landscape, particularly in rural areas where the Congress currently holds an edge.

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Muscat: Sameer Ahmed, a native of Udupi and currently employed in a private company in Muscat, has been elected President of the South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), Muscat, for the 2026–2027 term.

The election was conducted during the association’s Annual General Body Meeting held at Al Reef Hotel, Muscat, in the presence of chief guests Adil Shaikh, Monabba, Shareef, and Sahebzada Mehmood.

The newly elected office bearers include Vice Presidents Mohd Arif (Udupi) and Niyaz Mohammed (Mangalore), General Secretary Jaseem Basha (Kundapura), Joint Secretaries Rizwan Ali (Udupi) and Zaheer Hussain (Moodbidri), Treasurer Tajuddin Sheikh (Tonse), Assistant Treasurer Irfan Ahmed (Udyavara), Finance Secretary Mohammed Asif Gafur (Karkala), Assistant Finance Secretary Mohammed Akif Gafoor (Karkala), and Auditor Ashraf Ali (Kaup).

The Core Committee includes Event Coordinators Ansar Katipalla and Adil Moodbidri, and Sports Coordinators Ashpak Basrur and Muneer Ahmed (Sastan).

The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Zaid Asif. The Annual Activity Report for 2025 was presented by Sameer Ahmed, while the financial report was delivered by Mohammed Asif Gafoor and verified by Auditor Ashraf Ali.

Former president Azim was felicitated by Syed Mohiddin Saheb during the event.

The meeting concluded with an address by the newly elected president, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by General Secretary Jaseem Basha. The programme was coordinated by Syed Mohiddin Saheb (Sastan) and Ansar Katipalla.