Chandigarh, September 11, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced to field WWE Wrestler Kavita Dalal against Congress candidate and Olympic Wrestler Vinesh Phogat and BJP nominee Captain Yogesh Biaragi today.
The Aam Aadmi Party released its fourth list of candidates on Wednesday for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, unveiling the names of 21 more candidates.
With this latest announcement, the party has now declared candidates for 61 out of the 90 assembly seats in Haryana.
Kavita Dalal to Challenge Vinesh Phogat
One of the most talked-about contests in this election is set to take place in the Julana constituency, where AAP has fielded international wrestler Kavita Dalal against Congress candidate and Olympian Vinesh Phogat. The match-up of two renowned wrestlers vying for the same seat has generated significant interest.
Who is Kavita Dalal?
Kavita Dalal is not just any candidate; she is an international wrestler and the first Indian professional female wrestler to compete in WWE. In addition to her wrestling achievements, Kavita has made her mark in weightlifting, winning a gold medal in the 75-kilogram category at the 2016 South Asian Games. Her impressive athletic career makes her a formidable contender in this high-stakes election.
Kavita Dalal’s Journey: From Weightlifting Champion to Politician
Born on September 20, 1986, in the Malvi village of Jind district, Kavita Dalal grew up in a family of five siblings. She married in 2009 and became a mother in 2010. Initially, she planned to quit sports after the birth of her child, but with the support and mentorship of her husband, she continued her athletic journey. Six years after her pregnancy, Kavita went on to win a gold medal in weightlifting, proving her resilience and determination.
Captain Yogesh Bairagi: BJP’s Candidate for Julana
In another strategic move, the BJP has fielded Captain Yogesh Bairagi as its candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency. Bairagi, a 35-year-old ex-army officer and former commercial pilot will be contesting against Congress leader Vinesh Phogat. Originally from Paanju Kalan village, Bairagi was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which motivated him to enter politics seven years ago.
Bairagi’s career is marked by service and leadership. He served as a Captain in the Indian Army for nine years before transitioning to aviation and later politics. Bairagi has held various roles within the BJP’s organizational structure, including state vice president of the BJP youth wing and state co-convener of the sports cell. He gained recognition for his efforts in relief and rescue operations during the Chennai floods and his participation in the Vande Bharat Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Political Landscape in Julana: A Diverse Constituency
Julana is a Jat-majority constituency with around 81,000 Jat voters, as well as significant populations of Backward Class (33,608) and Scheduled Caste (29,661) voters. In a bid to broaden its appeal across different communities, the BJP has opted to field Bairagi, a non-Jat candidate from the Backward Class.
Vinesh Phogat: Beyond the Wrestling Ring
Vinesh Phogat has been in the spotlight not just for her athletic achievements but also for her activism. She made international headlines during her protest against former WFI president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and was vocal during the farmer’s protests. In contrast, Kavita Dalal has remained focused on her career and training, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in Julana.
This election marks the political debut for both Vinesh Phogat and Kavita Dalal. With both athletes stepping into the political ring, Haryana is poised to witness a true “dangal” (wrestling match) in Julana.
