Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Vinesh Phogat To Run From Julana, Bajrang Punia From Badli - REPORTS

Ace wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are anticipated to run as Congress candidates in the Haryana Assembly Elections, marking a significant foray into politics.

Ace wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are expected to run as Congress candidates in the upcoming Haryana Assembly Elections.

Phogat is likely to contest from the Julana seat, while Punia is anticipated to represent the Badli seat. The Congress Central Election Committee is expected to finalise their names soon.

Photo Credit: PTI

On Wednesday, both wrestlers met with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. A photograph of this meeting was shared on the official X account of the Congress party. The announcement regarding their candidature is anticipated shortly.

Congress Candidates for Haryana Assembly Elections

Badli, currently a Congress-held seat, will likely see Bajrang Punia defending it. Meanwhile, Julana is presently represented by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party. According to sources cited by Hindustan Times, Vinesh Phogat had shown interest in contesting from Julana, although Congress initially preferred a seat closer to Gurugram for her.

The Congress has not yet confirmed whether Punia and Phogat will be fielded. Deepak Babaria, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Haryana, mentioned that clarity would be provided by Thursday.

Wrestlers' Protest and Political Aspirations

Both wrestlers were part of a protest against BJP leader Bajrang Punia over allegations of sexual harassment. Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from sports after being disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout for being overweight by 100 grams. Since then, there has been speculation about her entering politics like her cousin Babita, who is a BJP MLA.

In addition to these developments, it was reported on Tuesday that Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are discussing seat-sharing arrangements for the Haryana Assembly Elections. This could extend their INDIA bloc alliance formed during the Lok Sabha Elections earlier this year.

Seat-Sharing Talks

The Congress has established a three-member committee for seat-sharing discussions with AAP and Samajwadi Party. This committee includes Ajay Maken, chairman of the party's screening committee for Haryana; Deepak Babaria; and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

The elections for Haryana's 90 assembly seats will take place on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

The political landscape in Haryana is set to change with these new developments. The involvement of prominent athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia could bring fresh perspectives to the state's politics.