Wed Oct 09 09:23:12 UTC 2024: ## Wrestling Champion Vinesh Phogat Wins Haryana Assembly Seat for Congress

**Haryana, India:** Wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat secured a victory in the Julana Assembly constituency in Haryana on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission. Phogat defeated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Yogesh Kumar by a margin of 6,015 votes.

Phogat’s win marks a significant upset, as most exit polls had predicted a clear majority for the Congress. She was fielded by the Congress after joining the party in September, following her participation in protests against BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several wrestlers.

“When we were being dragged on the road, all of you were with us except the BJP,” Phogat had said while joining the Congress, highlighting her support for the party.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which contested all 90 Assembly seats in Haryana, saw its candidate Kavita Rani, a former World Wrestling Entertainment star, placed fifth.

The Congress and AAP are part of the INDIA opposition bloc, formed to challenge the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. However, they remain opponents in states like Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana.

The Haryana Assembly elections, held in a single phase on Saturday, saw a turnout of 67.9%. The BJP secured its third consecutive victory in the state despite losing the Julana seat to Phogat.

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