Vinesh Phogat, a famous wrestler and Congress candidate, won the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission. This was her first time running in an election, and she achieved a big victory.
She defeated her opponent from the BJP, Yogesh Kumar, by 6,015 votes. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) candidate, Surender Lather, came in third place in this important constituency in Jind district.
At the beginning of the vote counting, Phogat was in the lead, but later she fell behind for a while. However, she made a strong comeback, regained her lead, and secured a comfortable win. Her victory marks a significant achievement, both as a first-time candidate and as a well-known sports figure entering politics.
Vinesh Phogat Wins Julana Seat
Congress candidate and former wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana. In her first reaction to the victory, Phogat said, “Truth has won.”
Her triumph comes as the ruling BJP has crossed the majority mark in the Haryana assembly, leading with 48 seats, while Congress was ahead in 37, according to the latest updates from the Election Commission. Despite exit polls predicting a Congress comeback, the BJP’s strong performance suggests they are heading for a third term in the state.
Remaining optimistic despite the trends, the 30-year-old Phogat said, “Let’s wait a bit. Once the results are final, the Congress will form the government.” Her confidence reflects her belief in her party’s chances, even as the election Haryana Assembly Election Results unfold.
Vinesh Phogat’s Political Journey
Vinesh Phogat, born in Charkhi Dadri, made a bold shift to politics after her career as an accomplished wrestler. Following her disqualification from the women’s 50-kilogram freestyle wrestling final at the Olympic Games due to being 100 grams overweight, Phogat decided to join the Congress party.
Before her disqualification, she had achieved a significant milestone by defeating Japan’s four-time world champion wrestler, Yui Susaki, on her way to the final, showcasing her athletic prowess.
Interestingly, Vinesh is not the first female wrestler from her family to enter politics. Her cousin, Babita Phogat, also contested the assembly elections in 2019 from Charkhi Dadri but was unsuccessful in her bid. Vinesh’s entry into politics builds on her family’s legacy, though she has already marked her own success by winning the Julana assembly seat in Haryana.
Also Read: Election Commission Reschedules Haryana Assembly Polling Date to October 5
Yogesh Bairagi, Phogat’s Rival in Haryana Assembly Elections
Vinesh Phogat faces a tough challenge in the Haryana assembly elections from Yogesh Bairagi, a former Indian Army captain and commercial pilot, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
At 35, Bairagi has made notable contributions, including his role in repatriating stranded Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic and assisting in relief efforts after the Chennai floods.
Currently serving as the president of BJP’s Haryana youth wing, Bairagi is seen as a strong competitor against Phogat in the upcoming elections.
Vinesh Phogat and Wrestlers’ Protest
Several women wrestlers in Haryana, especially those reconsidering their careers after protests against sexual harassment in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), are hoping Vinesh Phogat becomes the state’s sports minister to help them return to the wrestling arena.
Akhadas, or wrestling arenas, once thrived with young girls and boys training for medals and securing government jobs. However, things took a turn after the January 2023 protests led by top wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. They demanded the resignation of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI chief and BJP MP, over allegations of harassment against junior women wrestlers.
Since then, many young female wrestlers have dropped out of the sport.
Phogat and Yogesh Bairagi went head-to-head in the Haryana assembly elections on October 5, with the results for Julana and 89 other constituencies to be announced on October 8.
Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Receives Whereabouts Failure Notice from NADA
Julana Constituency
Located in Jind district, Julana is often called the heart of Haryana and serves as the administrative hub of Julana Tehsil.
In the 2019 Haryana Assembly Elections, Amarjeet Dhanda from the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) secured the Julana seat with 61,942 votes. This constituency is a general seat, not reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
As of the 2001 census, Julana had a population of 15,561, with men making up 53% and women 47% of the total.
Also Check: Haryana Assembly Election 2024, Key Candidates and Constituencies
FAQs
Q.1. Who won the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat, the Congress candidate and renowned wrestler, won the Julana seat in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections.
Q.2. Who did Vinesh Phogat defeat in the Julana election?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat defeated BJP candidate Yogesh Kumar by 6,015 votes in the Julana constituency.
Q.3. What is the significance of Vinesh Phogat’s victory in Julana?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat’s victory is significant as it marks her successful transition from wrestling to politics, with her first election win in Julana.
Q.4. What role did Vinesh Phogat play in the wrestlers’ protest?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat was a key leader in the 2023 protest against sexual harassment in the Wrestling Federation of India, advocating for the resignation of its chief.
Q.5. What is Julana known for in Haryana?
Ans. Haryana Assembly Election Result 2024Julana, part of Jind district, is known as the heart of Haryana and serves as the administrative center of Julana Tehsil.
