New Delhi: Olympian and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat has won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana, marking her successful debut in politics. Phogat defeated BJP’s Captain Yogesh Bairagi and AAP’s Kavita Dalal by over 6,000 votes. Despite Congress's strong performance, the ruling BJP is set for a third term in Haryana, leading in 48 seats, while Congress is ahead in 37, according to the latest Election Commission trends. Phogat, who joined Congress in September after her shock disqualification from the Olympics, expressed her commitment to improving conditions for sportspersons.

This victory comes as a significant moment in the Haryana elections, which marked the first major contest between the BJP and Congress following the Lok Sabha polls. The results challenge the predictions of exit polls, which anticipated a Congress comeback. Phogat, known for her long-running protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, thanked the Congress for standing by her during difficult times. Her win is expected to shape the political narrative in other states with upcoming elections.