In the latest updates from the Julana constituency in Haryana’s Jind district, former Olympian Vinesh Phogat is leading by over 5900 votes after 14 rounds of counting. Representing the Indian National Congress, Phogat is making her electoral debut, contesting for the seat in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. She currently holds a strong lead over her closest competitor, BJP candidate Yogesh Kumar.
Vinesh Phogat’s Political Debut
Vinesh Phogat, a well-known wrestler and Olympian, stepped into the political arena just last month, joining the Congress party alongside fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. Both athletes gained nationwide recognition not only for their sporting achievements but also for leading protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Their entry into politics marks a significant shift, with Phogat now testing her electoral potential in the Julana constituency.
Phogat’s candidacy is notable because the Congress party last won the Julana seat in 2005. If she secures victory, it will be the first time in 19 years that the Congress regains control of the constituency.
Candidates Contesting in Julana
The Julana seat is a competitive battleground in this election. Besides Vinesh Phogat, several other prominent candidates are vying for the seat. These include Yogesh Kumar Bairagi, a former Army captain representing the BJP, Amarjeet Dhanda from the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and wrestler Kavita Dalal from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), which held the seat from 2009 to 2019, is also a significant player in the region.
The diversity of candidates underscores the importance of this seat, with each party trying to secure a win in the high-stakes election.
Congress Faces Stiff Competition in Haryana
Haryana has traditionally been a tough state for Congress, with the BJP dominating the political landscape in recent years. However, Phogat’s lead in Julana offers a glimmer of hope for the Congress, which last won the seat in 2005. The latest reports suggest that the BJP is still leading in 46 seats across Haryana, but the outcome in Julana remains uncertain as counting continues.
Phogat’s campaign has centered around themes of justice and service, echoing her long-standing advocacy for athletes’ rights and her outspoken stance on women’s issues. Her association with former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has strengthened her position within the Congress party, as she fights to bring change to the state’s political landscape.
Phogat’s Vision for Haryana
During her campaign, Vinesh Phogat emphasized that her political journey is not just about winning a seat but about fighting for justice and service. She made it clear that she intends to work not just for the Julana constituency but for the entire state of Haryana. Phogat’s commitment to addressing issues such as women’s rights, sports development, and justice for farmers has resonated with many voters in the region.
After casting her vote, Phogat made a public appeal to voters, urging them to support the party that truly works for the rights of women. Her call for action came amid a highly charged political environment, where issues such as the treatment of farmers and athletes have taken center stage.
Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal to Voters
Speaking to the press after voting in Charkhi Dadri, Phogat highlighted the significance of this election for Haryana, describing it as a “huge festival” for the state. She reflected on the positive impact of Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s previous tenure as Chief Minister, particularly regarding the state’s development in sports.
Phogat encouraged voters to remember the struggles of farmers under the current BJP government and to cast their votes for the party that supports women’s rights and fair governance. She reiterated her belief that Congress is the party capable of addressing these critical issues.
The BJP’s Criticism of Phogat’s Candidacy
Phogat’s entry into politics has drawn criticism from BJP leaders, who have attempted to undermine her credibility by labeling her a Congress pawn rather than a national hero. In a particularly pointed remark, her cousin, Babita Phogat, who is aligned with the BJP, accused Congress of creating a rift within the Phogat family by fielding Vinesh as a candidate. Despite this familial tension, Vinesh remains focused on her goal of winning the Julana seat and bringing positive change to the region.
Congress Honors Phogat’s Contributions
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a senior Congress leader, expressed his support for Phogat, stating that her candidacy is a “token of gratitude” from the party in recognition of her contributions to the country as an athlete. Phogat’s long-standing service to Indian sports and her recent role in advocating for athletes’ rights make her a strong candidate for the Congress party in this election.
Latest Updates from Julana
As of the 14th round of counting, Vinesh Phogat holds a commanding lead of over 5900 votes in the Julana constituency. With only one round remaining, her chances of securing the seat seem promising. If successful, Phogat will not only bring a fresh face to the political arena but also make history by ending the Congress party’s 19-year drought in Julana.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Haryana election results as counting concludes and the final tallies are revealed.
