As polling for the single-phase Haryana assembly elections is underway, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babita Phogat commented on her cousin sister Vinesh Phogat’s decision to contest the 2024 elections as a Congress candidate. While Babita is not standing for election this time, Vinesh is set to represent Congress in the Julana Assembly Constituency.
Vinesh, a key figure in last year’s protests against BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, joined the Congress party on September 6. She will face BJP candidate Captain Yogesh Bairagi in the Julana constituency, with votes set to be counted on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 40 seats, while Congress won 30.
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On Saturday, Babita Phogat cast her vote at a polling station in Charkhi Dadri for the Haryana elections. She urged the people of Haryana to participate in the electoral process.
“For the welfare and development of the state, I would urge everyone to come out and vote in large numbers. This is your biggest responsibility as a citizen of this country… It is everyone’s personal decision which party they want to be affiliated with. It’s her choice and I respect her (Vinesh Phogat’s) decision…” Babita said while speaking to ANI.
This election is shaping up to be a pivotal contest, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aiming for a third consecutive term while Congress is determined to reclaim power amidst rising anti-incumbency sentiments and ongoing protests by farmers and wrestlers.
The main contenders in Haryana include the BJP, Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Additionally, there is a pre-poll alliance between the Indian National Lok Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party (INLD-BSP) and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP)-Azad Samaj Party (ASP).
Voting commenced on Saturday for 90 assembly seats across Haryana, and by 11 am, the voter turnout was reported at 22.70%, according to the Election Commission of India.