In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, the Congress party on Friday announced its first list of 31 candidates, with a notable addition?Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, a symbol of women?s empowerment and sporting excellence, will contest from the Julana constituency.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is set to run from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, while state Congress president Udai Bhan will be competing from Hodal. The list also includes Mewa Singh, who will face Haryana Chief Minister and BJP candidate Nayab Singh Saini in Ladwa. Prominent leaders like Pradeep Chaudhary from Kalka, Neeraj Sharma from Faridabad NIT, Aftab Ahmed from Nuh, Geeta Bhukkal from Jhajjar (SC), Bharat Bhushan Batra from Rohtak, and Surender Panwar from Sonipat have also secured tickets.
Wrestlers Join Congress for a Political Push
Earlier in the day, renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress, further bolstering the party?s campaign. Their decision comes nearly a month before the polls, signaling a substantial endorsement for the Congress. Within hours of his induction, Bajrang Punia was appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, solidifying his new role in politics.
Phogat highlighted the ongoing legal battle regarding sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. ?The fight is continuing, it hasn?t ended yet. It?s in court. We will win that fight as well. With the new platform we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation,? she stated during her address.
Phogat expressed pride in joining the Congress, saying, ?When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except the BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad.'"
Chief Minister Saini Reacts
Responding to the developments, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the wrestlers' personal decision but took a veiled jab at Congress. "Every person has their own opinion about which ideology they want to associate with. Congress should clarify its intention behind this. PM Modi has always taken decisions in the national interest. And Congress has always opposed all of his decisions. They do politics in the name of players, soldiers, and farmers,? Saini remarked.
Alliance Talks with AAP and Other Parties
Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria shed light on ongoing discussions about seat-sharing with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Talks are also progressing with the Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Samajwadi Party. Babaria explained, "Currently we are speaking to AAP. One or two other parties have also approached, and we will respond in a day or two. CPI (M) and the Samajwadi Party want to make their presence felt in the state."
The seat-sharing talks were reportedly discussed during a Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting chaired by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.
With the Haryana assembly elections on the horizon, Congress appears to be banking on a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces like Phogat to challenge the ruling BJP in what is expected to be a hotly contested election.
