Congress Eyes Jat Votes in Haryana, Inducts Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia
Image Source: Business Standard
In a strategic move to expand its support base in Haryana, the Congress party has inducted Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, both from the Jat community. The two wrestlers joined the party at the Congress headquarters on Friday, ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.
Phogat and Punia’s induction is seen as a bid to consolidate Jat votes, a significant chunk of which has been dissatisfied with the BJP over the demand for a legal guarantee of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. The Jat community, which dominates Haryana’s farming landscape, has been protesting against the BJP government’s alleged inaction on the issue.
The Congress is reportedly considering fielding Phogat from either the Julana or Badli seats, both of which have a significant Jat population. While the Congress’s Kuldeep Vats represents Badli, Julana is held by Amarjeet Dhanda of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). Punia, on the other hand, is eyeing the Badli seat.
The party’s move to induct Phogat and Punia is also aimed at expanding its support base among women, sportspersons, and the youth. The two Olympians met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, and a consensus has emerged within the party about Phogat’s candidature.
Phogat’s induction is significant, given her high profile and influence among the Jat community. She had been the face of the wrestlers’ protests against former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. By bringing her on board, the Congress aims to corner the BJP over its alleged inaction against Singh.
However, the Congress’s decision to field sportspersons in the elections is not without risk. In the 2019 Assembly polls, wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Babita Phogat, who were fielded by the BJP, lost their respective seats. Only former India hockey captain Sandeep Singh tasted victory from Pehowa but was subsequently dropped from the Manohar Lal Khattar Cabinet amid allegations of sexual harassment.
The Congress’s move to induct Phogat and Punia is seen as a strategic gamble to win over the Jat community and expand its support base in Haryana. With the BJP facing heat over the MSP issue, the Congress hopes to capitalize on the discontent and make a comeback in the state.
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- Iram Aijaz is a student of Mass Communication at Aligarh Muslim University, one of India's renowned institutions. Having already completed her master's in History, she is now pursuing a second master's in Mass Communication, driven by a strong interest in writing about current issues. Iram is eager to apply for internships to sharpen her skills and gain valuable experience as she prepares for a career in this field.
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