In Haryana's Julana assembly constituency, a thrilling electoral contest is unfolding as two renowned women wrestlers and a commercial pilot are preparing to lock horns in the upcoming elections.
The battle, which is garnering significant attention across the state, pits Congress’ Vinesh Phogat, AAP’s Kavita Dalal, and BJP’s Yogesh Bairagi against the sitting MLA from Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), Amarjeet Dhanda.
Phogat, a household name in Indian wrestling, is making her political debut after retiring from the sport following a disqualification in the Paris Olympics.
She faces off against Dalal, known as Lady Khali and the first Indian woman wrestler to compete in WWE, and Bairagi, a 35-year-old commercial pilot and vice president of the BJP's youth wing.
All three are entering the electoral fray for the first time, bringing fresh dynamics to the high-stakes contest in this Jat-dominated constituency.
Dhanda, the incumbent, is seeking to retain his seat and continue his work in the region.
Wrestlers turn politicians
Vinesh Phogat, 30, who recently joined Congress alongside fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, is determined to make her mark in politics. Phogat, the first Indian woman grappler to reach an Olympic final, aims to represent Julana as the constituency’s 'bahu' (daughter-in-law).
With her in-laws residing in Julana, she said, "They treated me more as a daughter than a daughter-in-law," emphasising her deep ties to the area.
Having become a symbol of resistance during last year's wrestlers' protest against then Wrestling Federation of India chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Phogat is ready to wrestle in a different arena.
“In wrestling, we have learnt that never take your opponent lightly,” she remarked after filing her nomination on Wednesday.
Phogat's campaign aims to leverage her local connection and national appeal to secure support in the assembly elections on 5th October. "I will try and live up to the expectations of people," she added.
Dalal’s daughter appeal
Kavita Dalal, popularly known as Lady Khali, is another star campaigner making headlines. Representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dalal is banking on her reputation as the first Indian woman to wrestle in WWE, where she trained under Dalip Singh Rana, known as 'The Great Khali'.
Dalal, 37, who hails from Malvi village in Julana, has also excelled in weightlifting, winning a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games.
Dalal presents herself as the 'beti' (daughter) of Julana, contrasting Phogat’s 'bahu' image.
"If the people of Julana ensure her victory, she will strongly raise their voice in the Vidhan Sabha," she said.
When asked about Phogat as an opponent, Dalal diplomatically replied, "It is a fight between ideologies of political parties."
The pilot’s flight into politics
Yogesh Bairagi, the BJP candidate, brings a unique profile to the contest as a commercial pilot and an active member of the party for the last four years.
Currently the vice president of Haryana BJP's youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), and co-convenor of the BJP Sports cell, Bairagi, 35, is eyeing an electoral take-off.
Confident of his prospects, Bairagi has pledged to work tirelessly for the people of Julana. "I will work hard to ensure the victory for the BJP in the upcoming elections," he stated, appealing to voters to give him a chance to serve them.
The incumbent’s defence
JJP's Amarjeet Dhanda, the sitting MLA and a veteran in Julana's political landscape, remains a formidable contender. Dhanda, known for his grassroots connection and continuous availability to his constituents, asserts his development work in the area speaks for itself. "Whatever was possible within my means as an MLA, I tried to do that," he remarked.
Seeking to downplay Phogat’s entry into the race, Dhanda remained confident of his chances, stating, "People of the constituency will again give him their blessings."
Electoral dynamics in Julana
Julana, situated in Haryana's Jind district, is a crucial constituency with a significant Jat population. Of its 1.85 lakh voters, 40 per cent belong to the Jat community, while Brahmins and Scheduled Castes also have a notable presence.
The electoral dynamics are further spiced up by the presence of these diverse candidates, each bringing their unique appeal and strategies to win over the electorate.
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