Vinesh Phogat to Contest Haryana Elections from Julana as Congress Candidate, Marks New Political Chapter
Vinesh Phogat, the renowned wrestler whose Olympic disqualification deeply saddened the nation, has been given a Congress ticket to contest the Haryana elections from Julana. This marks a significant new chapter in her life. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will contest from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, and state Congress Chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, as the party released a list of 31 candidates for the upcoming polls.
Congress’ Mewa Singh will face off against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa, with other key candidates including Surender Panwar from Sonipat, Bharat Bhushan Batra from Rohtak, Kuldeep Vats from Badli, Chiranjeev Rao from Rewari, and Neeraj Sharma from Faridabad NIT.
Earlier today, both Vinesh Phogat and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who were pivotal in the protest against former WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, joined the Congress. They vowed to continue their fight without fear.
“I thank the people of the country and the media for supporting me throughout my wrestling journey,” Phogat said. She expressed gratitude to the Congress, stating, “In tough times, you find out who truly stands with you. When we were dragged on the streets, all parties except the BJP stood by us and understood our pain.”
Phogat, who was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for failing to make weight in her gold medal bout, also reflected on her personal struggles, including losing her father at the age of nine. She expressed pride in aligning with a party that fights against injustice towards women, saying her move might inspire other athletes to stand up for their rights.
The BJP, in power in Haryana for a decade, replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Minister earlier this year. Meanwhile, the Congress is engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for Haryana’s 90 constituencies.
The state will vote in a single phase on October 5, with counting set for October 8.
