New Delhi, Haryana – In a remarkable political debut, former wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat secured victory in the Julana assembly seat in Haryana, triumphing over seasoned opponents. “Truth has won,” Phogat declared in her first reaction following the election results, marking a significant milestone in her transition from sports to politics.
Phogat’s win stands out amidst the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strong performance in Haryana, where the ruling party has surpassed the majority threshold with 50 seats, compared to Congress’s 35, according to the latest updates from the Election Commission. Despite the BJP’s anticipated third-term success and conflicting exit poll predictions favoring a Congress resurgence, Phogat remained steadfast in her campaign efforts.
Expressing unwavering optimism, the 30-year-old athlete stated, “Let’s wait for some time. When the certificates come, the Congress will form the government.” Her victory is particularly noteworthy as it defies the prevailing trends and underscores her personal appeal and the electorate’s trust in her leadership.
The vote counting for the October 5 Haryana elections commenced at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, culminating in Phogat’s decisive win. She defeated BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a former Army officer, and Kavita Dalal from the Aam Aadmi Party—part of the opposition bloc INDIA—by a substantial margin of over 6,000 votes.
Phogat, who faced an Olympic setback earlier this year due to a controversial disqualification, joined the Congress party on September 6 and was swiftly included in the candidate list. Her swift transition from sports to politics has been marked by her dedication to advocating for athletes. “I am starting a new innings. I want sportspersons to not have to face what we had to go through,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to improving the lives of athletes.
Last year, Phogat spearheaded a prolonged protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then a BJP Member of Parliament, further establishing her as a determined and influential figure within the Congress party.
As the Haryana political landscape evolves, Vinesh Phogat’s victory not only signifies a personal achievement but also signals a potential shift in the region’s political dynamics. Her journey from the wrestling mat to the legislative assembly exemplifies the diverse paths to leadership and the growing influence of sportspersons in Indian politics.
