Shailendra Gautam
The political arena in Haryana has come alive with the latest electoral contest: the battle for the Julana assembly constituency. In a dramatic twist, the Congress party has fielded Vinesh Phogat, an Olympian wrestler whose political debut is as intense as her athletic career. This high-stakes contest pits Phogat against a formidable lineup of candidates, with the BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi emerging as a significant contender.
Vinesh Phogat’s entry into the political arena is nothing short of compelling. Known for her prowess on the wrestling mat, Phogat’s career took an unexpected turn when she was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to being overweight by just 100 grams in the 50 kg weight category. This disqualification, while a setback in her sporting career, has propelled her into the political spotlight as she seeks to make her mark in Julana.
Her political debut is akin to her Olympic bouts—high-stakes and closely scrutinized. The Congress party, recognizing her popularity and the potential to sway the Jat vote, has chosen Phogat to contest from Julana. This constituency, located in Haryana’s Jat-dominated Bangar region, has historically been a stronghold for regional parties like the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).
The Political Maths of Julana
Julana’s political landscape is complex and competitive. The constituency has been dominated by regional players over the past 15 years. INLD’s Parminder Singh won the seat in 2009 and 2014, while JJP’s Amarjeet Dhanda took the seat in 2019. The Congress, which held the seat from 2000 to 2009 through Sher Singh, has struggled to reclaim it since then. The historical dominance of regional parties, coupled with their entrenched support bases, presents a significant challenge for Phogat.
The Jat community, which constitutes 22-27% of Haryana’s population, plays a crucial role in this constituency. The Congress is hoping that Phogat’s popularity among Jats, farmers, women, and youth will give them an edge. Phogat’s personal connection to the region—her husband’s family hails from Bakhta Khera village, which falls within Julana—adds a local touch to her campaign.
However, the political battle is far from straightforward. Phogat faces stiff competition from BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a prominent youth leader and the current vice president of the BJP’s Haryana youth wing. Bairagi’s background as a professional pilot and his active role in the BJP’s sports cell position him as a formidable opponent.
The Jat Vote and Political Dynamics
The Jat vote is a critical factor in Haryana politics. The community’s influence extends to 37 seats in Haryana where they make up more than 20% of the electorate. This includes a significant concentration in the Rohtak and Hisar divisions. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Jat community predominantly supported the Congress-AAP alliance, with 64% backing the alliance compared to 27% for the BJP. This shift reflects growing discontent with the BJP among Jat voters, who have been vocal in their opposition to the party’s policies and handling of issues affecting their community.
The BJP has historically struggled to gain substantial support from Jats, with notable exceptions such as the period following the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. However, the party’s recent performance has been hampered by farmer protests, wrestlers’ demonstrations, and controversies surrounding the Agniveer scheme. The BJP’s failure to address the grievances of the Jat community has opened a window for the Congress to capitalize on this discontent.
Vinesh Phogat vs. Kavita Dalal: A Competing Narrative
Phogat’s primary rival in Julana is Kavita Dalal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a renowned professional wrestler and the first Indian woman to compete in WWE. Dalal presents herself as a local hero, emphasizing her long-standing connection to the area and her preparation for the assembly elections since 2022. Dalal’s campaign leverages her status as ‘Julana ki Beti’ (daughter of Julana) and her local roots, contrasting sharply with Phogat’s relatively recent entry into the constituency.
Dalal has accused Phogat of being an “outsider” who is exploiting the wrestlers’ protest for political gain. She argues that while Phogat is a celebrated athlete, her involvement in politics is a recent development and questions why Phogat’s fellow wrestlers are not actively participating in her campaign. This counter-narrative aims to challenge Phogat’s authenticity and undermine her appeal.
The Julana constituency, with its 1.85 lakh voters, faces several pressing issues, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of teachers and doctors, and high unemployment. The electorate includes a diverse mix: 40% Jats, 40,000 Scheduled Castes (SC), 33,000 Backward Classes (BC), and 22,000 Brahmins. Addressing these issues is crucial for any candidate seeking electoral success.
Phogat’s campaign will need to navigate these local concerns while leveraging her national profile and personal connections to the area. Her appeal as a symbol of perseverance and achievement, especially among women, could be a significant asset. Her role in last year’s wrestlers’ protest and her advocacy for athletes’ rights could resonate with voters who are concerned about gender issues and sports development.
On the other hand, Captain Yogesh Bairagi, with his background in aviation and active involvement in BJP’s youth wing, brings a different set of strengths to the table. His ability to connect with younger voters and his demonstrated leadership within the BJP could play a pivotal role in swaying undecided voters.
A Thrilling Contest Ahead
The battle for Julana is shaping up to be a thrilling and highly competitive contest. With Vinesh Phogat, Kavita Dalal, and Captain Yogesh Bairagi as the main contenders, each brings unique attributes and narratives to the race. Phogat’s wrestling fame and local ties, Dalal’s established presence and local roots, and Bairagi’s youth appeal and party affiliation create a dynamic electoral scenario.
As the election draws closer, the outcome will depend on how effectively each candidate addresses local issues, connects with voters, and leverages their personal and political strengths. The Congress party’s bet on Phogat could potentially shift the balance if she can translate her athletic achievements into political success. Conversely, Dalal’s and Bairagi’s strategies will need to resonate with voters to counter Phogat’s appeal.
The Julana assembly election is more than just a local contest; it reflects broader trends and issues that are shaping Haryana’s political landscape. The results will not only determine the future of the constituency but also offer insights into the shifting dynamics of Haryana politics and the national political climate.
