There are many important issues and factors that are going to influence the 2024 assembly elections in Haryana. These include anti-government sentiment against the current government, agitation by farmers and wrestlers, discontent of government employees and the role of the Jat community. Among these issues, the possible political entry of wrestler Vinesh Phogat is attracting particular attention. It is believed that if Vinesh enters politics, this move may revive the Brajbhushan Sharan Singh controversy, which was raised vigorously by opposition parties in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Vinesh Phogat enters politics
Vinesh Phogat recently met protesters at Shambhu border, Khap Panchayat leaders in Jind and Rohtak. At an event held in Jind on August 27, Vinesh said that she is under pressure to enter politics, but she will consult her elders before taking any decision. She said, “There is pressure to enter politics, but I will consult my elders. When my mind is clear, then I will think about what to do, because I am still in deep shock.”
Political background of the family
Vinesh Phogat’s family has been politically active. Her cousin Babita Phogat contested the 2019 assembly elections from Dadri seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. However, Vinesh has been inclined towards Congress in politics. Political differences have also emerged between the cousins. Babita and her husband indirectly targeted Vinesh on social media, making the cracks between the two more evident.
Vinesh Phogat had actively participated in the protests against Brajbhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, while Babita Phogat had alleged that the wrestlers’ agitation was organised by Congress leaders. It is also being said that Vinesh is inclined towards the Congress, and if she decides to contest, she may be fielded against Babita in the Dadri assembly seat.
Impact of the Brajbhushan Sharan Singh controversy
The Brajbhushan Sharan Singh controversy has deeply rooted itself in Haryana politics. Most wrestlers, especially Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, had protested against the controversy. Bajrang Punia had even returned his Padma Shri award in protest. This issue also cropped up in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress made it a part of its strategy. Now it will become a major issue in the assembly elections as well.
Role of Jat and farmer community
The discontent among the Jat community and farmers against the BJP government was clearly visible in the Lok Sabha elections, which benefited the Congress. Congress made gains in rural areas, and won 42 assembly seats, making it clear that rural Haryana supported the Congress. Along with the Jats, discontent was also seen among village sarpanches and common farmers, especially due to digitization and the Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme.
The anti-BJP sentiment is not limited to Jats and farmers. Wrestlers and sarpanches are also unhappy with the government. Despite winning 110 seats from Haryana in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has not inducted any Jat leader into the central government, and no Jat leader has been made chief minister since 2014.
Speculation of joining Congress
There are discussions in political circles that if Vinesh Phogat enters active politics, she may join the Congress. Recently, Vinesh met Khap Panchayats and farmers at Jind, Rohtak, and Shambhu border, where she was awarded a gold medal by the Khap Panchayat. She said, “When I was in trouble, the farmers supported me.”
Congress has also taken steps to attract Vinesh. When Vinesh announced her retirement, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda was seen with her. Former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda also demanded that Vinesh be sent to the Rajya Sabha, although this was not possible due to her age. Vinesh’s uncle Mahavir Phogat and cousin Babita Phogat criticized this initiative of the Congress.
Vinesh Phogat’s possible political entry can bring a big change in Haryana politics. Her strong ties with Khap Panchayats and farmers can get her widespread support in the elections. Although Vinesh has not yet formally announced her entry into politics, political parties are trying to woo her. Vinesh Phogat’s role in the upcoming assembly elections can prove to be a turning point in Haryana politics.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)