Haryana Election 2024: Vinesh Phogat Urges Voters to Prioritize Women's Rights

Haryana Election 2024: As Haryana went to the polls on October 5, Congress candidate and wrestler Vinesh Phogat called on voters to support the party that champions women's rights. Phogat is contesting from the Julana Assembly Constituency.

Phogat's Appeal

After casting her vote in Charkhi Dadri, Phogat expressed the significance of the day, stating, “This is a huge festival for Haryana. I urge everyone to come out and vote. Ten years ago, under Bhupinder Hooda’s leadership, the state’s sports level was significantly better.”

She emphasized the importance of voting for a party that prioritizes women's rights, indirectly referring to Congress. “People have not forgotten what the BJP did to the farmers and others,” she added, alluding to the ongoing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

When asked about her aspirations for a ministerial position, Phogat replied, “That’s not in my hands but the high command's,” indicating that her focus is broader than just her constituency.

Election Context

The Haryana Assembly Election is a crucial contest, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress seeks to regain power amid anti-incumbency sentiments. Key issues include the farmer protests and the recent wrestler protests, which have galvanized public opinion.

The primary parties contesting in Haryana include the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), along with the JJP-ASP alliance. Voting hours were from 7 AM to 6 PM, with 1,031 candidates competing across 90 constituencies and 20,632 polling booths established for voters.

Key Candidates and Leadership

Manohar Lal Khattar served as the Chief Minister for approximately 9.5 years before being succeeded by Nayab Singh Saini in March. Saini is contesting from the Ladwa constituency under the BJP's banner.

Phogat is a notable addition to the political landscape, having joined Congress on September 6, alongside fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia, following her disqualification from the women's 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics.

The JJP-ASP alliance is contesting all 90 Assembly seats, with JJP fielding candidates in 70 constituencies and ASP in 20. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 40 seats and formed a coalition with JJP, which won 10 seats. The Congress secured 31 seats, but the coalition later dissolved.

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As the election unfolds, Vinesh Phogat’s call for women’s rights and her commitment to broader issues reflect the changing dynamics of Haryana's political landscape. The results of the elections will be declared alongside those of Jammu and Kashmir on October 8.