For the Haryana Assembly elections, Congress has fielded Olympian Vinesh Phogat from the Julana constituency in Jind. With Vinesh Phogat entering the fray, this Julana contest is set to become quite riveting. In 2019, Amar Jeet Danda of the JJP contested from here, defeating the BJP by a large margin of 24,193 votes.
With Vinesh now in the electoral race, Congress's position in Julana seems strengthened. On Sunday, Vinesh Phogat will kickstart her campaign from Julana, addressing a Panchayat in the ancestral village of her husband, Somveer Rathi, in Bakhta Kheda.
Her father-in-law, Rajpal Rathi, has started touring the constituency, seeking votes for his daughter-in-law and meeting with community leaders. Starting today, Vinesh’s brothers Harvinder and other relatives from Balali and Charkhi Dadri will go to Julana to lay the groundwork for her campaign.
BJP May Field Brahmin Candidate
The BJP has not announced its candidate for Julana in its first list. Sources indicate that due to the large population in this constituency, the BJP may field a Brahmin candidate. The Jat community is the largest voter bloc here, making up about 50 percent of the constituency’s population. BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli stated, "...we will soon announce the next list for the Haryana Assembly elections."
Read also: Haryana Elections: Congress Releases First List of 32 Candidates, Fields Vinesh Phogat from Julana
Commenting on Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Mohan Lal Badoli said, "Athletes are the pride of our nation, and we do not politicize them...they will serve as members after joining Congress."
What Vinesh's Relatives and Locals Said
In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Vinesh's brother Harvinder Phogat expressed pride in her decision to join Congress. Vinesh’s family believes that politics is a new platform for her to fight for significant issues. Harvinder said, "The struggle will continue, whether on the streets, on the wrestling mat, or now in politics. We will engage in healthy politics for women, farmers, and the poor."
Harvinder also criticized BJP leaders' comments following Vinesh’s joining Congress and rebuked former Sports Minister Anil Vij. He expressed disappointment that no BJP leader welcomed Vinesh back from the Olympics.
Read also: The Rule That Made Vinesh Phogat Resign from Her Railway Job Before Entering Politics
A neighbor of Vinesh said, "Julana is her in-laws' area, and we will actively participate in her campaign. She’s a star from our village and state, and she will make us proud in politics just like she has in sports." Villagers mentioned they were initially hoping for the Badra or Dadri seats but would fully support Vinesh's campaign.
Julana Becomes a Hot Seat
The Julana Assembly seat has now become a hot seat. Historically, regional parties like INLD and JJP have held sway here, but with Vinesh and Bajrang joining Congress, the party will likely strengthen its hold on the Jat vote bank, which accounts for about 25 percent of the state’s total population.
