Alakshendra Singh, Pune
In her very first electoral bout, Vinesh Phogat emerged victorious from the Julana seat of Haryana. With a margin of over 6,000 seats, the Congress candidate defeated BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a former Army officer, and Aam Aadmi Party member Kavita Dalal, a former professional wrestler and member of the opposition bloc INDIA in the centre.
On September 6, Phogat—a thirty-year-old three-time Olympian—joined the Congress. Phogat spearheaded demonstrations against BJP MP and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Singh. Before what would have been a historic final in the women’s 50 kg wrestling event, she was disqualified from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris due to her weight.
The last time Congress won this seat was back in 2005. Vinesh Phogat expressed confidence in the Congress’ victory despite Election Commission data suggesting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will win Haryana for a third consecutive term. “These are early trends, so give them some time. I have been behind a lot of times but I have still won. Nothing is evident at this time”.
Haryana held a single phase of voting, resulting in a 67.90% voter turnout and voter participation in Julana was 74.66. Following her meeting with former Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Phogat informed reporters that her new path involved more than just politics, but also a battle for justice and service on a new front.
Phogat declared, “It is a huge festival for Haryana and a very big day for the people of the state,” following her vote in the Charkhi Dadri. I’m pleading with the people of this state to turn out to vote. When Bhupinder Hooda was the chief minister ten years ago, the state’s sports condition was at an extremely high level.”
Vinesh Phogat advised people to “vote for the party that works for the rights of women, you all know which party I am speaking of.” According to news agency ANI, Phogat stated, “Today is the day to vote; hope of victory is always there.” What the BJP did to farmers and other people is still remembered by the public.”
Phogat responded, “It is not my decision, it is in the hands of the high command,” when asked if she intended to become a minister in Haryana. “I want to work for the entire state, not just Julana,” she continued. The Bharatiya Janata Party has been critical of Vinesh Phogat’s candidacy; several officials have referred to her as a Congress leader rather than the nation’s daughter who was “wrongly denied” an Olympic medal.