The Congress list in Haryana is almost finalized. Everyone’s eyes are fixed on what is the seat sharing formula between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. It is being told that the talks between the two parties have progressed a lot. Only the announcement is yet to be made. But in the meantime, the most discussed thing is that Congress can make wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia candidates in the Haryana assembly elections. This discussion gained more momentum today on Wednesday when Rahul Gandhi met Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. A picture of both the wrestlers with Rahul Gandhi was released before leaving for Srinagar.
In fact, on Wednesday morning, a white SUV with black windows entered 10 Janpath and everyone’s eyes were on who was sitting in this car. About half an hour later, the car left Rahul Gandhi’s official bungalow. The suspense about the guests sitting in the car was cleared when the Congress released a picture of two wrestling champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. After this, the political temperature increased. Speculations started that is Congress preparing to field both the wrestlers in the electoral arena of Haryana?
The meeting with Rahul Gandhi has raised the possibility of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia entering electoral politics in the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana. This could prove to be a major masterstroke for the Congress, as it not only wants to consolidate Jat votes but also wants to turn the anti-incumbency vote in its favour against the BJP.
If not Rajya Sabha, then at least the Legislative Assembly!
Let us tell you that from the very beginning, the Congress has been understanding the seriousness of the allegations leveled by the wrestlers against the head of the Wrestling Federation of India and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and has been directly attacking the government on the issue of wrestlers. Since Vinesh missed the gold medal in the recently held Paris Olympics, to show solidarity for her great achievement, veteran Haryana Congress leader and former CM Bhupendra Hooda had put the option of sending her to the Rajya Sabha in front of the party. However, Vinesh did not meet the age limit. In such a situation, the Congress party has got a new opportunity to implement its words in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. With this, the Congress can corner the BJP on the sensitive issue of women’s safety.
Vinesh may get ticket from this seat, not Charkhi Dadri
Now the question arises that from where is the Congress planning to field both the wrestlers. There was a discussion that Vinesh could be made a candidate from Charkhi Dadri. The reason is, Charkhi Dadri is her birthplace. But information is also coming out that Phogat is more likely to contest from Julana assembly constituency of Jind district. The reason is, Julana is her in-laws’ place and her family has influence there. On the other hand, if the BJP fields her cousin Babita Phogat in Charkhi Dadri, then the story may be different, which can cause a conflict between the cousins. On the basis of her recent popularity, Vinesh would clearly want to avoid such a conflict.
Congress can field Bajrang from this seat
Bajrang Punia, on the other hand, may get a ticket from Badli, where he hails. However, it will require some lobbying for the Congress as its sitting MLA Kuldeep Vats will have to sit out. Convincing him will not be difficult as it falls under the Rohtak Lok Sabha seat and the Hooda family has already done its homework on it. The Congress is hoping to turn the goodwill of the wrestlers in its favour and feels that the inclusion of the star players will complete its list of strong candidates in Haryana, known as a sportsperson’s state.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)