JIND: Congress candidate and wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the Julana seat by a margin of close to 6,000 votes, defeating BJP‘s Captain Yogi Bairegi in a closely contested election.
Phogat’s victory was marked by fluctuations, as she trailed in some of the 15 rounds of counting. She briefly left the counting centre when she was behind but returned after gaining a lead.
Julana is considered a Jat-dominated seat, with around 1,85,000 voters, 50% of whom are Jat community members.
Vinesh registered victory at 65,080 votes while BJP’s Bairegi lagged behind at 59,065.
Meanwhile, INLD-BSP Surender Lather also recorded 10,158 and JJP scored an abysmal 2,477 votes.
Phogat’s loss in the Olympics had evoked sympathy from the public, which likely contributed to her decision to contest the election and ultimately emerge victorious. While Phogat’s win is significant, it came with a narrower margin than expected.
Soon after the victory, Vinesh thanked the voters of Julana, calling it a victory for women.
“This is the victory of my long struggle. This is a victory for women, and I am committed to serving the people of my constituency. I will work for the well-being of people and am committed to carrying out development works,” she added.
“This is the fight of every girl, every woman who chooses the path of struggle. This is the victory of every struggle, of truth. I will uphold the love and trust this country has placed in me,” said the wrestler-turned-Congress politician.
After the victory, Phogat celebrated with her supporters, and held a road show in the city area on various routes. She was welcomed by locals during the road show.