In a significant victory for the Congress, former wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana. Phogat, who recently transitioned into politics, expressed her gratitude after her win, stating, “Truth has won.”
Her victory comes as the BJP secures a strong lead in the state, crossing the majority mark with leads in 48 assembly seats. Meanwhile, the Congress is ahead in 37 seats, according to the latest trends from the Election Commission.
Despite the BJP’s dominating performance and projections for a third consecutive term in Haryana, Phogat remained optimistic about the Congress’s future. She said, “Let’s wait for sometime. When the certificates come, the Congress will form the government.”
A Competitive Race in Julana
The 30-year-old Olympian defeated BJP candidate Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a former Army officer, and professional wrestler Kavita Dalal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with a margin of over 6,000 votes. This victory comes amid Haryana’s tightly contested elections, with counting starting at 8 AM on Tuesday for the polls held on October 5.
Phogat’s entry into politics has been swift. She officially joined the Congress on September 6, 2024, just hours before being included in the party’s candidate list for the Haryana elections. Reflecting on her new political journey, Vinesh Phogat said, “I am starting a new innings. I want sportspersons to not face what we had to go through.”
From Protests to Politics
Vinesh Phogat, a well-known figure in Indian wrestling, made headlines last year when she led protests against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Her fight against Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment, garnered nationwide attention and support from various political parties, except for the BJP.
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Phogat expressed her gratitude towards the Congress, saying, “It is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears.”
BJP’s Strong Performance in Haryana
The BJP’s impressive lead in the Haryana elections defies exit polls, which had predicted a comeback for the Congress. With the BJP on track to secure a third consecutive term in the state, this election has also become a litmus test for both parties in shaping narratives for upcoming state elections across India.
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These elections in Haryana mark the first significant direct contest between the Congress and BJP since the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. The results will likely influence the political strategies of both parties as other states prepare for elections in the coming months.
