Haryana election 2024: Wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat on Sunday officially launched her campaign for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, expressing confidence in winning each battle with the blessings of the people. Phogat, 30, has been fielded from the Julana assembly segment for the elections scheduled on 5 October, with the counting of votes on 8 October.
Phogat received a warm welcome upon her arrival in Julana, where supporters, including elderly people, women, and members of various ‘Khaps’, greeted her with garlands and bestowed their blessings. The Congress party had released its first list of 32 candidates for the Haryana polls on Friday, naming Phogat as one of their contenders.
Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, both of whom played a prominent role in the wrestlers’ protest against then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, entered the political arena by joining the Congress on Friday.
Standing atop a car, Phogat took blessings from the crowd that gathered to catch a glimpse of her, as her supporters chanted “Vinesh Phogat zindabad” to the beat of a ‘dhol’.
Responding to a question regarding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Phogat stated, “Brij Bhushan is not the country. My country stands by me. My loved ones stand by me, and they matter to me”, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Brij Bhushan, on Saturday, accused Phogat and Bajrang Punia of being used by the Congress as pawns in a conspiracy to take control of the WFI and attack the BJP.
On her electoral prospects, Phogat expressed confidence, saying, “My loved ones supported me. Like they ensured victory in wrestling, they will continue their blessings here, and with their blessings, we will win every battle.”
Vinesh Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Congress party, saying, “I want to thank the Congress party, not just because they gave me a ticket, but because when we were sitting on the road, Priyanka Gandhi came to support us. When it felt like we might have to leave the country, Priyanka Gandhi told us not to lose hope. It was that day I decided that I would have to wrestle again.”
ALSO READ | BJP Asks Brij Bhushan To Refrain From Comments Against Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia: Report
Haryana Election 2024: Vinesh Phogat On Olympic Loss
Phogat also reflected on her Olympic experience, where she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final, only to be disqualified in Paris for being overweight by about 100 grams in her 50-kilogramme category weigh-in. She noted that the pain of missing out on an Olympic medal was alleviated by the love and support she received from the people upon her return.
“The pain subsided that very day when the citizens of the country showered love on me after I landed at the airport. I have to reduce their pain, and it is my responsibility,” she added.
VIDEO | Haryana elections 2024: “I’ve forgotten the pain that I had to go through because of the love and respect that I’ve received from you. Therefore, I will remain thankful if I’m able to reduce your sufferings. The land of Jind has been historic, and people here are very… pic.twitter.com/2PAdGDkWth
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 8, 2024
At 30, Phogat remarked, “I have come through many challenges. When people are with you, one can overcome any challenge.” Expressing her happiness about contesting the elections, she said, “I am feeling happy, and I will try to live up to their expectations.”
Phogat hails from Balali in Charkhi Dadri district, while her in-laws’ hometown is Julana.
From the stage, Vinesh Phogat said, ‘Whether I win or lose, I will remain among you. It is my dream to live in the village; I feel that lively people are not found in cities. I want to alleviate your pain, and I need your blessings and your support.’
“Even when we were fighting at Jantar Mantar, Bhupinder Hooda encouraged us. I request all of you to always support your daughters. I have received a lot of love from the country. The day after tomorrow, we will inaugurate our office,” she added.
