Northern Railways has initiated the process to accept the resignations of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. Sources from the railways informed PTI that both athletes are expected to be relieved from their duties "as soon as possible".
Both Punia and Phogat recently joined the Congress party. Vinesh has been nominated by Congress as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency in Haryana. A senior railway official confirmed, "There is a provision for serving a three-month notice period after submitting a resignation by a railway employee, but this rule will not hinder the release of both athletes as we have decided to relax the norms in their cases."
To be Relieved Shortly
Railway sources mentioned that both athletes will possibly be relieved "either today or as soon as possible." Multiple notices were issued earlier when they met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss joining the party.
Read Also: Vinesh Phogat Kicks Off Election Campaign from In-Laws' Place, Congress Hasn't Won Julana for 15 Years
Tentative Speculations
Northern Railways stated that the notice was part of the service regulations since they were government employees. Following the notice, both submitted their resignations. Speculations were rife that due to the three-month notice period rule, Vinesh might not be able to contest the elections.
According to election rules, they need to be officially free from the railways to contest. A Northern Railway official stated that since the railways have started the process of accepting Vinesh Phogat's resignation, there is no obstacle for her to contest the election.
Read Also: Vinesh Phogat Salary: Left Railway Job as OSD... Find Out How Much She Earns Now
Before joining Congress, Vinesh Phogat had resigned from the railway job. Vinesh was posted as an OSD in Northern Railways. In her resignation, she mentioned that her tenure with the railways was the most memorable and proudest time of her life. She stated, 'I will always be grateful to the railway family.' During her tenure, Vinesh's salary was more than 1 lakh rupees per month.
