Vinesh Phogat Confident of Julana's Support in Haryana Elections Amid Controversy

Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat expressed confidence in securing victory in the Haryana Assembly elections with the support of Julana's people. Her decision to enter politics before the 2028 Olympics was met with disappointment by her coach, Mahavir Singh Phogat, who believed she should've focused on her wrestling career first.

Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday expressed strong confidence that the people of Julana will rally behind her in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, ensuring her victory. 'These people have always supported us in wrestling and will do the same in these elections. I owe everything to God and elders, and I am relying on their blessings,' Phogat said.

Earlier today, Dronacharya awardee and esteemed wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat voiced his disappointment over the Olympian's decision to join politics ahead of the 2028 Olympics. 'She excelled in the Paris Olympics but faced disqualification in the final. I believe she should focus on the 2028 Olympics. My dream was for her to win a gold medal, and while she missed that, the love from the people of India was overwhelming. Her decision to join politics saddens me. It would have been better if she had made this move after the 2028 Olympics,' Mahavir told ANI.

He further stated that Vinesh had no prior intentions of entering politics. 'There was no planning involved in Vinesh Phogat joining politics or contesting elections. Neither she nor Bajrang had such ideas. I'm unsure how Congress orchestrated this, but it was not her original intention,' he added.

Earlier today, Vinesh Phogat inaugurated the party's election office in Haryana's Julana and performed the havan ceremony. On September 6, Vinesh officially joined the Congress, providing a significant boost to the party's campaign.

Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling shortly after her disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games for being overweight by about 100 grams in her 50-kg category weigh-in. The Haryana legislative assembly elections, with voting for 90 seats, will be held on October 5, and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The vote count will take place on October 8.

In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)