LIVE: Vinesh Phogat wins Julana by 6,015 votes in electoral debut
Vinesh Phogat election result live: The former wrestler has won in the Julana constituency by 6,015 votes, defeating BJP's Yogesh Bairagi
Vinesh Phogat election result live: In a high stakes battle and her first foray into electoral politics, Olympian Vinesh Phogat has won by 6,015 votes, against former Army captain Yogesh Bairagi for the Julana seat in Haryana. The counting process till now has been full of twists and turns with early trends predicting Vinesh Phogat would be leading. However, soon after the ECI revealed vote margins, Yogesh Bairagi, the BJP candidate managed to overtake Phogat. His lead lasted for a while before Phogat was back on top....Read More
After her return from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Phogat was announced as the Congress candidate from Julana.
Her cousin Babita Phogat, who is also a wrestler, had unsuccessfully contested the assembly polls in 2019 from Charkhi Dadri.
Phogat has been at loggerheads with the BJP-led central government ever since her involvement with the wrestlers protests in 2023 against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Yadav, who is a BJP member.
After a downturn in participation for women wrestlers in Haryana, those rethinking their career in the sport due to systemic issues of harassment have pinned their hopes on Vinesh Phogat becoming the state's sports minister to them return to the wrestling ‘akhada’.
Key highlights
Vinesh Phogat told ANI, “Vote for the party that works for rights of women, you all know which party I am speaking of…People have not forgotten what the BJP did to the farmers and others.”
Vinesh Phogat's challenger from the BJP, Yogesh Bairagi, is also a fairly recent entrant in politics. Bairagi, state vice president of the BJP youth wing, served in the Indian army for nine years and later worked as a commercial pilot as well. The 35-year-old has gained popularity for his involvement in relief and rescue operations after the Chennai floods.
Phogat is also competing against the sitting Julana MLA, Jannayak Janta Party's Amarjeet Dhanda. The Aam Admi Party has also fielded a former WWE player, Kavita Dalal, for the seat.
Julana was held by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) from 2009 to 2019. The last time Congress was able to win from this seat was in 2005.
Julana had a total population of 15,561, with males constituting 53% and females 47%, as per the 2001 census.
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Brij Bhushan Singh takes jibe at Vinesh Phogat's win
Vinesh Phogat election result live: After Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat's win in Julana assembly constituency, former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh told ANI that there were many candidates who had won on the name of being a wrestler but didn't represent their best interests.
The statement was clearly a taunt towards Vinesh Phogat who was involved in protests against Brij Bhushan Singh for alleged sexual harassment.
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat wins in Julana assembly constituency
The former wrestler has proven her political merit by emerging victorious in the battle for the Julana constituency against BJP's Yogesh Bairagi
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Bajrang Punia congratulates “nation’s daughter” on her victory
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Bajrang Punia, fellow wrestler and brother-in-law of Vinesh Phogat, congratulated her on her first ever win in an election in the Julana constituency, Haryana.
In a post on X, he said, “Many congratulations to the country's daughter Vinesh Phogat for her victory. This fight was not just for one Julana seat, it was not just with 3-4 other candidates, it was not just a fight between parties.”
He added, “This fight was against the strongest oppressive forces in the country. And Vinesh emerged victorious.”
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Vinesh Phogat wins in electoral debut by 6,015 votes
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Olympian and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat has won in the Julana assembly constituency by 6,015 against BJP's Yogesh Bairagi.
This is the former wrestler's first foray into the political arena, after she quit wrestling post the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat election result live: Vinesh leads by 6,015 against Yogesh Bairagi
Vinesh Phogat election result live: In 15 rounds of votes being counted, political debutant from Julana, Vinesh Phogat has maintained a lead of 6,015 votes against BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Close to the end, Phogat continues lead with 5,909 votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: As 15 rounds of voting almost come to a close, Vinesh Phogat has continued her lead against BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi with 5,909 votes.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: 2 rounds of counting left, Phogat maintains lead with 5,231 margin
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: As 13 rounds of counting come to an end, Vinesh Phogat has managed to hold onto her lead in the Julana constituency amid fluctuations favouring BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi who continues to give her tough competition.
Her current lead margin is 5,231 votes.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Yogesh Bairagi catching up to Phogat, reduces vote margin to 4,684
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi is once again catching up to Phogat after she took his lead and has reduced her vote margin from 6,050 to 4,684 votes in the 12th round of vote counting
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vinesh leads by 6,050 votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: After finally gaining back lost momentum, the political debut of Vinesh Phogat remains on the rise, with a leading margin of 6,050 votes.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Yogesh Bairagi and Vinesh Phogat go head to head
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: In an interesting series of events, Yogesh Bairagi, BJP candidate for the Julana constituency, and Congress' Vinesh Phogat went back and forth in leading as vote counting started.
While initially, trends predicted Vinesh Phogat would be leading, her lead was fairly small and was quickly overtaken by Yogesh Bairagi. His lead continued for a while, however, the gap in the votes kept decreasing.
Eventually, Phogat just about crossed over with 38 votes more than Bairagi. Since then, her vote margin has increased to 4130 votes, making it difficult but not impossible for the BJP candidate to bounce back.
As 10 out of 15 rounds of counting are over, it is yet to be seen if the final lap will make any difference now.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Yogesh Bairagi falls behind by 4130 votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: After a short period leading in Julana, Yogesh Bhairagi has fallen behind Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat by 4130 votes, according to the Election Commission.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Phogat widens gap by 2147 votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: After barely gaining her lead back by 38 votes, Vinesh Phogat has widened the vote gap between her and BJP contender Yogesh Bairagi by 2147 votes.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Phogat overtakes Bairagi again by 38 seats
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: In an election full of twists and turns, Vinesh Phogat has overtaken BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi again by 38 seats.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Will Yogesh Bairagi keep his lead as BJP gains momentum across state?
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Though Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat started off strong, she was soon overtaken by her primary challenger, ex-army captain Yogesh Bairagi.
However, as the vote margin between Bairagi and Phogat decreases, we might see another turn in votes.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Yogesh Bairagi ahead by 1417 votes, Phogat tries to close gap in votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Yogesh Bairagi, the BJP candidate from Julana continues his lead with 1417 votes. However, this is lower than his previous lead of 2039 votes, as Phogat attempts to bridge the margin of the lead.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Trailing candidate Vinesh Phogat arrives in Jind | Watch
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vinesh Phogat, who is trailing by a margin of 2039 votes, have arrives back in Jind at a counting centre, as BJP's Yogesh Bairagi continues to surge ahead.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Phogat behind by margin of 2039 votes
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: BJP candidate Yogesh Bairagi has surged ahead of Vinesh Phogat by 2039 votes in the Julana assembly constituency
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Congress falls behind, BJP leads in 48 seats
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: In a complete turn from exit polls and early trends the Congress has lost its lead in the Haryana elections with the BJP surging ahead in 48 seats.
The Congress leads in 34 seats, while Independent candidates have held 5 seats.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Former wrestler loses lead to Yogesh Bairagi
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: After maintaining her lead in the early counting cycle, Vinesh Phogat is now trailing, after losing her lead to BJP's Yogesh Bairagi.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Former wrestler leaves counting centre in Jind | Watch
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Former wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat has left a counting centre in Jind as she continues her lead in the Julana constituency.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Olympian leads with 214 votes against BJP's Yogesh Bairagi
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Congress candidate Phogat ia leading against the BJP's Yogesh Bairagi by 214 votes according to the Election Commission of India.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vote counting continues in 93 centres across 90 assembly constituencies
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vote counting continues in 93 centres across 90 assembly constituencies with postal ballots being counted first and then EVM votes.
Vinesh Phogat in her political debut has managed to continue her lead in the Julana seat ever since counting starting.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: ECI confirms Congress leading in 12 more seats
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: The Election Commision of India has identified 12 more seats where the Congress is leading in the Haryana assembly elections.
Vinesh Phogat has led the charge, with her first entry into politics, beginning with early trends predicting her leading in Julana constituency.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Congress shows strong start
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: The Congress has shown a strong start, with early trends predicting leads across various constituencies, including Vinesh Phogat in Julana.
The early trends predict that Congress will have crossed the halfway mark.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vinesh Phogat leads, early trends show
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Early trends have shown that Vinesh Phogat is leading in the Julana constituent assembly in the Haryana elections.
This is Phogat's first time running for elections after her retirement from wrestling.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Nation's ‘daughter’ competes against military hero
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE:While Vinesh Phogat's platform and her influence are set to have an impact on the fight for the Julana seat, her competition has plenty of accolades to go around as well.
35-year-old Yogesh Bairagi, state vice president of the BJP youth wing, served in the Indian army for nine years and later worked as a commercial pilot as well. The 35-year-old became known for his involvement in relief and rescue operations after the Chennai floods as well as rescuing Indian nationals from abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Counting of votes begins in Haryana assembly elections
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Counting of votes has begun in Haryana assembly elections.
With exit polls predicting a Congress win, early leads from the centres are much anticipated. Vinesh Phogat faces tough competition from Yogesh Bairagi from the BJP, who holds influence in the constituency.
The Congress has bet on the former wrestler's political outspokenness and reputation as an athlete to win the Julana seat.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Haryana CM claims Vinesh Phogat being ‘used’ by Opposition
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Haryana CM and BJP candidate from the Ladwa constituency Nayab Singh Saini told the media that Vinesh Phogat was being used by the Congress in the Haryana elections.
“Doing such politics is in the Congress' DNA, ” he said, when asked about Vinesh Phogat's platform for women's rights this election.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Will Vinesh Phogat revitalise sports in Haryana?
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Young female wrestlers have backed Vinesh Phogat, hoping that akhadas and sports will be revitalised under her.
Phogat, who is now contesting from the Julana constituency in Haryana, has also praised former CM Bhupinder Hooda, for the growth in sports during his tenure in government.
The former Olympian represents hope for many athletes in Haryana.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Phogat family divided between BJP and Congress
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: While Vinesh Phogat is contesting from Julana constituency on a Congress ticket, her uncle Mahavir Phogat has backed the BJP, who are vying for their third term in Haryana.
Mahavir Phogat told news agency ANI that the last 10 years under the BJP had been good for the state, and he was not involved with Vinesh's decision.
“Her decision to enter politics is completely her own, we have nothing to do with it... I did my part in her journey, rest is up to her,” he said.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Will Vinesh Phogat's star power win over Julana?
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: As Vinesh Phogat enters the political arena for the first time, will she able to pull off a victory in the complicated Julana assembly constituency?
The former wrestler and Olympian has become well-known for her outspoke stand on farmers rights, women's rights and her involvement in the wrestlers protests against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
However, she faces tough competition with BJP youth wing leader and former Army captain Yogesh Bairagi, who has influence on the non-Jat population of Julana.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: ‘Vote for the party that works for the rights of women’ says Phogat
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: After casting her vote on October 5, Vinesh Phogat spoke to reporters and urged voters to “Vote for the party that works for the rights of women.”
The comment was a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party and a nod to her involvement in the wrestlers protests against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Phogat expresses desire to work for whole state not just Julana
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Vinesh Phogat, who has recently entered the political arena as a Congress candidate from the Julana constituency has stated that she would like to work for the whole state of Haryana and not just the Julana constituency.
When asked if she would want to become a minister she said, "It is not in my hands, it is in the hands of the high command... I don't want to be limited to Julana but work for the entire state…"
Vinesh Phogat Julana Election Result LIVE: Counting begins at 8 am
Vinesh Phogat Julna Election Result LIVE: Counting of votes for the Julena constituency in Haryana begins at 8 am.
This marks the first political foray of Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will be competing against the BJP's Yogesh Bairagi, AAP's Kavita Dalal and sitting MLA from the JJP, Amarjeet Dhanda.
