• By Imran Zafar
  • Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:18 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Senior Congress leader and Haryana in-charge, Deepak Babaria, stated on Wednesday that the party would "certainly accommodate" wrestler Vinesh Phogat if she decides to contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. His remarks come amid the speculation that Vinesh Phogat might enter the electoral fray against her cousin, Babita Phogat, who represents the BJP.

"I don't know if she (Vinesh Phogat) has been approached by any of our leaders, but if she wants to contest, we welcome her and will certainly accommodate her," Deepak Babaria said. 

Earlier, senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with his son and Rohtak MP, Deepender Singh Hooda, called for a Rajya Sabha nomination for the 29-year-old wrestler. 

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This statement by the Congress Haryana in-charge gains significance as the Congress seems keen on roping the Olympian following her recent setback at the Paris Games, where she was disqualified before her gold medal bout for being overweight by just 100 grams in the 50 kg category. The disqualification cost her what could have been her first Olympic medal.

Upon her return to India, Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome at the Delhi airport, with Congress leader Deepender Hooda among those present to greet her.

The Haryana Assembly elections for the 90 seats will be held on October 1, with vote counting on October 4. The state has a total of 2.01 crore voters, including 4.52 lakh first-time voters and 40.95 lakh young voters.