As the Haryana Assembly elections of 2024 approach, several crucial issues are emerging that could influence the electoral atmosphere and potentially be game-changers for the election outcome. Among these are anti-incumbency feelings against the current government, farmers’ and wrestlers' movements, discontent among government employees, and the pivotal role of the Jat community.
Amid these issues, there is speculation that wrestler Vinesh Phogat might make her political debut in these elections, which is drawing considerable attention. It is believed that if Vinesh enters politics, it could reignite the Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh controversy, which opposition parties highlighted during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Vinesh Phogat's Entry into Politics
Vinesh Phogat recently met with protesters at Shambhu Border and Khap Panchayat leaders in Jind and Rohtak. On August 27th in an event held at Jind, Vinesh stated, 'I am under pressure to enter politics, but I will consult my elders before making any decision. There is pressure to join politics, but I will seek advice from my elders. When my mind is clear, I will think about what to do, as I am still in deep shock.'
Vinesh Phogat's Politically Active Family
Vinesh Phogat's family has been politically active. Her cousin Babita Phogat contested the 2019 Assembly elections from the Dadri seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. However, Vinesh's inclination leans towards the Congress party. Political differences between the cousins have emerged, with Babita and her husband indirectly targeting Vinesh on social media, clearly showcasing the rift between them.
Vinesh vs Babita Showdown in Haryana?
Interestingly, while many state wrestlers campaigned for Vinesh Phogat during the Olympics, the two sisters did not appear together, except to target the Congress. When Vinesh actively participated in the protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's sexual harassment allegations, Babita accused that the wrestlers were organized at the behest of Congress leaders, indicating Vinesh's leaning towards Congress.
Sources say that if Vinesh decides to contest the elections, she might be pitted against Babita in the Dadri Assembly constituency, where Babita had contested in 2019.
Wrestlers and Opposition Parties Keep Brij Bhushan Issue Alive
Wrestlers and opposition parties have kept the Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh controversy alive. Most wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, participated in protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Bajrang Punia even returned his Padma Shri as a symbol of protest. This controversy influenced the Lok Sabha elections and is being positioned as an electoral issue in the Haryana Assembly elections as well.
Role of Jat and Farmer Communities
The Jat community and farmers expressed dissatisfaction during the Lok Sabha elections, benefiting the Congress party. Congress gained an advantage in rural areas, winning 42 Assembly constituencies, indicating that rural Haryana voted for Congress. The discontent was not limited to Jats but also included village heads and regular farmers, particularly unhappy with the digitization process under the Family Identity Card scheme.
In Haryana, the anti-incumbency wave against the BJP extends beyond Jats and farmers. Wrestlers and village heads are also discontented with the government. Despite having 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, no Jat leader was included in the central government, and no Jat leader has been made chief minister since 2014.
2014
The BJP forms the central government but does not include a Jat leader.
What Babita Phogat Said About the Brij Bhushan Controversy
Vinesh Phogat actively participated in protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's sexual harassment allegations, while Babita Phogat accused that the wrestlers' movement was organized by Congress leaders. It is also said that Vinesh has a leaning towards Congress, and if she decides to contest, she might be fielded against Babita in the Dadri Assembly seat.
Impact of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Controversy
The Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh controversy has deeply rooted in Haryana politics. Most wrestlers, especially Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested against this issue. Bajrang Punia even returned his Padma Shri in protest. This issue resurfaced during the Lok Sabha elections and became a strategic part of Congress's plans. It remains to be seen if this will be a major issue in the Assembly elections.
Speculations of Vinesh Phogat Joining Congress
Political circles are abuzz with discussions that if Vinesh Phogat enters active politics, she might join Congress. Recently, Vinesh met Khap Panchayats and farmers in Jind, Rohtak, and Shambhu Border, where she was honored with a gold medal by the Khap Panchayat. She said, 'When I was in trouble, it was the farmers who supported me.'
The Congress has also made moves to attract Vinesh. When Vinesh announced her retirement, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda was seen with her. Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda also demanded that Vinesh be sent to Rajya Sabha, although this was not possible due to age restrictions. Vinesh's uncle Mahavir Phogat and cousin Babita Phogat criticized this initiative by Congress.
Vinesh Phogat's potential political entry could bring a significant change in Haryana politics. Her strong connections with Khap Panchayats and farmers could garner her widespread support in elections. Although Vinesh has not formally announced her entry into politics yet, political parties are trying to attract her to their fold. Vinesh Phogat's role in the upcoming Assembly elections could prove to be a pivotal turning point in Haryana politics.
