In a significant move ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, the Congress party has announced its first list of candidates, fielding notable personalities and seasoned politicians to challenge the ruling party. Among the fresh faces making headlines is Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has been given the ticket from the Julana constituency in Jind district. This announcement came just hours after Phogat officially joined the Congress, alongside fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, marking her entry into the political arena.
Congress’ Strategy for 2024 Haryana Elections
The Congress Central Election Committee, chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge, finalized the list after multiple rounds of discussions in Delhi. The committee included prominent figures such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. With 31 candidates announced in the first list, the Congress has set its sights on regaining power in Haryana, focusing on a mix of experienced leaders and emerging influencers.
Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated name in Indian sports, has now taken a leap into politics. Known for her remarkable achievements on the wrestling mat, Phogat’s candidacy is seen as a strategic move by Congress to attract the youth and sports enthusiasts in Haryana. Julana, her home constituency, will witness an interesting battle as she steps into the political fray for the first time.
Key Candidates in Congress’ First List
In addition to Phogat, the Congress has fielded former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, a traditional stronghold for the veteran leader. Hooda, a key figure in Haryana politics, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Congress campaign. Surender Panwar will contest from Sonipat, while Jagbir Singh Malik has been given the ticket for Gohana. Bharat Bhushan Batra will represent Rohtak, another crucial constituency for the party.
Other prominent candidates include Kuldeep Vats from Badli, Geeta Bhukkal from Jhajjar (reserved for SC), Chiranjeev Rao from Rewari, Aftab Ahmed from Nuh, and Neeraj Sharma from Faridabad NIT.
Wrestlers Turn Politicians: Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat Join Congress
The entry of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into Congress has added a new dimension to the party’s election strategy. Both athletes have been vocal about various social and political issues in recent times, making their decision to join politics an extension of their public influence. While Bajrang Punia has been appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Phogat’s role in the Haryana elections will be closely watched.
This move aligns with the Congress’ effort to rejuvenate its image and appeal to diverse voter bases, especially in rural and semi-urban regions where wrestling enjoys massive popularity.
Key Challenges and BJP’s Position
The Congress faces a tough battle against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, which has already announced its candidates for several constituencies. Chief Minister Nayab Saini, one of BJP’s prominent leaders, will contest from Ladwa, where Congress has fielded Mewa Singh to challenge him. The BJP, known for its organizational strength, will be keen to retain power in the state, making the upcoming elections highly competitive.
Haryana Polls: Dates and Schedule
Haryana will go to the polls on October 5, 2024, with all 90 constituencies voting on the same day. The results will be declared on October 8, setting the stage for a new political chapter in the state.
As the campaign gains momentum, Congress is expected to roll out its election manifesto and rally its voter base through public meetings and digital outreach. With new entrants like Vinesh Phogat, the party hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the elections, focusing on youth engagement, sports development, and rural upliftment.
Conclusion
The Congress party’s candidate list for the Haryana Assembly elections reflects a blend of experience and fresh faces. Vinesh Phogat’s candidacy from Julana has garnered attention, symbolizing a shift towards incorporating popular figures from non-political backgrounds into mainstream politics. As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Haryana is set to witness high-octane battles, with Congress aiming to dethrone the BJP and reclaim its hold over the state.
The inclusion of Phogat and other prominent leaders signals Congress’ determination to present a strong alternative, making the 2024 Haryana elections one of the most watched political events in the country.