Vinesh Phogat wins from Julana, calls it victory of 'struggle

PTI, CHANDIGARH, OCT 8, 2024: Congress candidate and wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday called her maiden electoral win from the Julana assembly seat in Haryana a "victory of struggle" and "victory of truth."
Phogat defeated her nearest rival and BJP nominee Yogesh Kumar by a margin of 6,015 votes, according to the Election Commission. Phogat polled 65,080 votes while BJP's Kumar secured 59,065 votes. 

Speaking to reporters after the poll outcome, 30-year-old Phogat said: "It is a victory of 'sangharsh' (struggle) and victory of truth. I will always keep the trust and love of the people," she further said. 

The Olympian made a foray into politics after announcing her retirement from wrestling. Phogat and wrestler Bajrang Punia were at the forefront of the wrestlers' protest against then WFI chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. 

At Paris, she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final, the stage where she was disqualified after being found overweight by about 100 grams in her 50-kilogramme category weigh-in. 

However, alleging a conspiracy, the Congress on Tuesday said it would not accept the Haryana Assembly poll result as it raises "serious questions" about the integrity of the instruments of the democratic system. 

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Haryana result is a victory of manipulations, and subverting the will of the people.