Vinesh Phogat triumphs in Julana constituency, calls victory win for every woman's struggle

Born in Charkhi Dadri, Phogat joined the Congress party after her return from the Tokyo Olympics, where she made headlines by defeating four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan before her controversial disqualification in the final.

Congress candidate and wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat has secured a significant victory in the Julana constituency during the Haryana Assembly elections 2024. After a hard-fought battle, Phogat hailed her win as a representation of the fight of every girl and woman who chooses the path of struggle and truth.

In her victory address, Phogat said, "This is the fight of every girl, every woman who chooses the path to fight. This is the victory of every struggle, of truth. I will maintain the love and trust that this country has given me."

While Election Commission data indicates that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to win Haryana for the third consecutive term, Phogat remained optimistic about her party's prospects. “These are early trends, wait for some time. Earlier, I was also trailing, but now I’ve won. Nothing is clear yet. The Congress party will form its government,” she stated.

Phogat's victory over BJP candidate Yogesh Kumar in the Julana assembly seat was decisive, with a margin of 5,761 votes. Her win has been widely celebrated within the Congress party, with fellow wrestler and Congress leader Bajrang Punia extending his congratulations on social media.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Punia wrote, "Many congratulations to the country's daughter Vinesh Phogat for her victory. This fight was not just for one Julana seat, it was not just with 3-4 other candidates, it was not just a fight between parties. This fight was against the strongest oppressive forces in the country. And Vinesh emerged victorious."