Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ridicules wrestler Vinesh Phogat after the Congress party's lackluster performance in Haryana elections where BJP is on track for its third term. Phogat won in Julana constituency, but Singh claims she used his name for her success.
Background of the Elections
The Haryana legislative assembly elections of 2024 have sparked significant interest, especially with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seemingly set to continue its dominance in the region by winning a third consecutive term. The recent performance of the Congress party, which has historically played a major role in Haryana's politics, has raised eyebrows and prompted criticism from various quarters.
Brij Bhushan's Remarks
On Tuesday, BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh took a direct dig at wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat following her victory in the Julana constituency. Singh insinuated that Phogat's win was not solely due to her efforts but rather suggested that she leveraged his name to help secure her position. In an interview with news agency ANI, he expressed, “Many BJP candidates have been successful in 'jaat' majority areas... The so-called wrestlers protesting are not heroes in Haryana; they are perceived as villains by junior wrestlers.” He further commented on Phogat's win by stating, “If she has used my name to win, it indicates that I am a pivotal figure in her success. Although she won, Congress faced a defeat.”
Vinesh Phogat's Achievement
Vinesh Phogat's victory in the Julana constituency is noteworthy, as she defeated her BJP rival Yogesh Kumar by a margin of 6,000 votes. This win is particularly significant for the Congress party, marking their first victory in this constituency since 2005. Julana is one of the critical 90 Legislative Assembly seats in Haryana, situated within the Jind district and part of the Sonipat Lok Sabha constituency.
Context of the Election Results
The Election Commission had originally scheduled the polling for October 5 and the count for October 8. Earlier in 2023, Vinesh Phogat, alongside fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, participated in significant protests against Brij Bhushan, alleging sexual harassment against female athletes. These allegations led to two FIRs being lodged against him, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act concerning a minor wrestler.
Implications for Congress
The results of the elections reveal a challenging road ahead for the Congress party as it attempts to regain its footing in Haryana's political landscape. The comments from Brij Bhushan further underline the deepening rivalry between the BJP and Congress, with both parties aiming to consolidate their voter base in the state.
Conclusion
As the political narrative continues to evolve in Haryana, the implications of the election results extend beyond mere victories and losses. They signal significant shifts in party dynamics and public sentiment towards political figures and their actions in a region rich in political history.
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