With Haryana assembly elections approaching, the Phogat family is again in the spotlight. After Babita Phogat, now her cousin and Olympian Vinesh Phogat and brother-in-law Bajrang Punia have entered politics. Babita is a sitting BJP MLA from Charkhi Dadri, though her ticket has been withdrawn this time. Meanwhile, Vinesh and Bajrang joined Congress on September 6 in Delhi. Congress has nominated Vinesh from the Jhulana seat in Jind district, and Bajrang has taken charge of the farmer front and organizational responsibilities. Let's dive into the twists of Phogat family politics.
The Phogat family, where Vinesh, Babita, Geeta, Sangeeta, Priyanka, and Ritu hail from, is known for the stellar contributions of all six daughters, who have glorified the nation. Mahavir Phogat’s journey was showcased in the movie 'Dangal.' Mahavir has been honored with the Dronacharya award by the Indian government for his coaching. He has four daughters – Geeta, Babita, Ritu, and Sangeeta. Mahavir also raised Priyanka and Vinesh, whose father, Rajpal, passed away when she was nine. Mahavir is Vinesh’s uncle. Vinesh married Somveer Rathi, a national-level wrestler, in 2018.
How Did the Phogat Sisters' Careers Unfold?
Hailing from Balali village in Bhiwani district, Mahavir Phogat trained all six daughters in wrestling right in their village. Geeta, Babita, and Vinesh won gold medals in various weight categories at the Commonwealth Games. Priyanka won a silver medal at the Asian Championships. Ritu has snagged a gold at the national championships, while Sangeeta medaled in age-level international championships. Sangeeta is married to wrestler Bajrang Punia, making him the brother-in-law to the Phogat sisters.
Source: aajtak
Family Unsettled by Vinesh Joining Congress!
Currently, Vinesh and Bajrang joining Congress has caused a stir within the Phogat family. Mahavir Phogat made a statement expressing his displeasure with Vinesh’s political move. Babita, a BJP MLA, also voiced her concerns. Both statements indicate everything isn't fine within the Phogat family, with politics complicating their relations. Babita blamed Congress leader Bhupendra Hooda for creating a rift in their family.
'Hooda Created a Rift in the Family'
Babita stated that Vinesh hastily decided to join Congress and that Bhupendra Hooda succeeded in causing a division in the family. She believes people will teach Hooda a lesson. Congress has always been about 'divide and rule.' Vinesh should have obeyed her uncle and coach, Mahavir Phogat, who typically guides her on the right path. Vinesh needed to focus on her wrestling career and aimed for a gold medal in the 2028 Olympics.
BJP Withdraws Babita's Ticket
Babita joined BJP in 2019, winning the Charkhi Dadri seat. However, this time, the party replaced her candidature with retired jailer Sunil Sangwan, whose father was a minister in the Haryana government. Babita supported BJP's decision, stating party comes before the individual, and the nation is above the party. As a dedicated BJP worker, she will continue to fulfill every responsibility given to her by the organization.
It’s noteworthy that last year Vinesh Phogat leveled serious charges against the then-President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and led protests. Bajrang Punia supported her by taking to the streets. Protestors accused Brij Bhushan, who is a six-term BJP MP, of harassing several junior wrestlers.
What Mahavir Phogat Said About Vinesh...
Mahavir Phogat expressed his desire for Vinesh to focus on winning a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics instead of getting into politics and elections. In an interview with Aaj Tak, he said he wanted Vinesh to compete in another Olympics and achieve a gold medal. He was not in favor of her entering politics as it ends all hopes when an athlete chooses this path.
Previously, Mahavir had asked his niece Vinesh to reconsider her decision to retire from wrestling. He believed that although getting disqualified from the Paris Olympics was demoralizing, Vinesh could overcome it.
Jat Community’s Support in Haryana?
The Phogat family belongs to the Jat community, which constitutes about 22-27 percent of Haryana's population. BJP has traditionally not received widespread support from this community. However, after the Balakot airstrike in 2019, amid a nationalist wave, Jats also supported BJP. Yet, the Jat votes are generally split between Congress and Chautala family’s INLD and JJP parties, benefitting BJP eventually.
In the 2014 assembly elections, 42 percent of Jats supported INLD, 24 percent backed Congress, and 17 percent voted for BJP. In 2019, Congress won 36 percent of the Jat votes, followed by JJP with 31 percent and BJP with 18 percent. Jat community forms more than 20 percent of the population in 37 seats, including 22 in Jatland and eight in Baggad belt. 30 seats are concentrated in Rohtak and Hisar regions, with others in GT Road belt and Braj region. Congress hopes Vinesh’s entry will benefit them in these seats.
The assembly election for 90 seats in Haryana is scheduled for October 5, with results to be announced on October 8.
