Her candidacy has sparked excitement all around Julana and in Haryana, particularly among women and youngsters. They perceive her as a new face, a national icon, and a role model in a male-dominated political and social environment. In the world champion’s candidacy, people are finding a new moment of inspiration
By Rashi Gupta
Vinesh Phogat is a name that resonates with pride and respect in Indian sports. As a world champion wrestler, she has not only represented India on the international stage, but has also won various awards, including Olympic and World Wrestling Championship medals. In an unusual and brave decision, Vinesh has decided to enter politics, running from Haryana’s Julana assembly constituency on a Congress ticket.
While many may consider her transition from athletics to politics merely a career change, she has stated that entering politics was not a choice but a necessity. In various media interviews, she has spoken about her motivations, obstacles and goals. This article dives into her journey thus far and its impact.
A Wrestler’s Journey to Politics
For someone like Vinesh Phogat, politics might seem very different from the strict, physically tough life of an athlete. However, her decision to enter politics originates from a profound desire to effect radical social change and address the difficulties that the people of Haryana face, especially women, particularly in rural regions.
Coming from a state recognized for both its rich sporting tradition and its many socioe-conomic challenges — such as caste inequality, gender injustice, and simmeing agrarian issues—her choice to enter politics is motivated by a strong desire to strengthen her community and provide a voice for the downtrodden.
Vinesh has made it quite evident that her decision to run for elections was driven more by obligation than by ambition. She believes that having grown up in a rural area and witnessed first hand the challenges of common people, her position and influence may assist in addressing systemic issues in Haryana. “It’s not just about politics, it’s about making things better for the people,” she said in an interview.
The Julana Dangal: A New Arena
Vinesh Phogat’s constituency, Julana, is Haryana’s rural and agrarian heartland. With 73 villages, it is a place profoundly rooted in its inherited traditions, where caste and communal identifications have played a part in elections in the past. Vinesh, whose in-law’s village is Khera Bakhta, is lovingly known as ‘Julana’s bahu’ among her followers. This identification, however, is both an advantage and a challenge. While many women in the constituency consider her a role model and support her candidacy, Haryana’s political landscape is burdened with longstanding problems.
On one of the morning of her campaign in Khera Bakhta, she is shown discussing her preparations for the day with her assistant, reflecting on the hectic nature of her new life. Dressed comfortably in a blue-beige patterned nightgown and white slippers, she mingles with supporters, poses for photographs, and balances her campaign with personal obligations. Her reputation as a down-to-earth, friendly and accessible person, contrasts with the glittering world of athletics in which she has thrived, especially in the world stage.
As her assistant points out, the campaign is hectic, with hundreds of phone calls to return and a full calendar of events to attend. Later that day, she is seen preparing for the campaign route in a modest, green, printed salwar suit and sneakers. This simplicity has appealed to many rural voters, who regard her as one of their own.
However, in a state like Haryana, elections are about more than just personal relationships and public image. Caste dynamics and financial power play an important part, and she must manage these challenges with caution. While she has the backing of her husband, father-in-law and a network of women in her village, she faces significant opposition. Internal party problems, insufficient funding, and opposition from rival political factions are among the hurdles she must overcome.
The Political Challenges
Haryana’s political landscape is notable for its complicated caste dynamics. The Phogat family, which belongs to the Jat community, has traditionally had a high social status, especially in the wrestling world. However, entering politics has a unique set of problems.
The caste split in the small state remains strongly entrenched, and she will need to work hard to overcome gaps and win support from a diverse range of communities. Furthermore, her campaign has had fewer financial resources than her opponents, which may limit her outreach efforts in a constituency where money typically speaks louder than words.
In addition to caste and cash, she has to deal with the internal politics of the Congress party. Julana, like many other rural constituencies, is a battleground for internal party factions. Her arrival into politics has created both excitement and worry among Congress members, with some viewing her as an outsider who could disrupt the established political order. Her ability to navigate the internal party dynamics will be critical to her success.
Aim and Vision
Despite these hurdles, Vinesh remains hopeful about her chances. Her vision for Haryana prioritizes growth, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
She wants to focus on areas that she says have been neglected for too long, such as education, health, and women’s welfare. Her path, rising from a rural upbringing to becoming a world wrestling champion, offers her credibility. She relates with her voters, especially young girls and women.
Her dedication to social activism is well known. She has long advocated for gender equality and has participated in a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s rights in sports and society. Her peaceful and protracted struggle on the streets of Delhi, along with another world champion wrestler, Sakshi Mallik, against an arrogant and repressive State apparatus, is historical. It’s an inspiration for all progressive and secular women and men of this country.
As a legislator, she aims to expand these initiatives by utilizing her authority to advocate for legislation that benefits women and underprivileged populations in Haryana. Her candidacy signals a departure from the existing status quo—an athlete and social activist who is willing to challenge the political system to effect real change — on the ground.
Wrestling with Politics: Can She Win?
The big question, however, is whether Vinesh Phogat can make the leap from wrestling to politics. Her athletic career has been distinguished by tenacity, dedication, hard labour, meticulous planning and rigour, and the capacity to overcome adversity—characteristics that will serve her well in politics. However, politics is not the same as other forms of competition. She confronts various obstacles, including managing caste equations, forming alliances within her party, and reaching out to rural voters with few resources.
Her candidacy has sparked excitement all around Julana and in rest of the state, particularly among women and youngsters. They perceive her as a new face, a national icon, and a role model in a male-dominated political and social environment.
However, her final success will be determined by her ability to convert her fame as a sports legend into votes. The October 5, 2024 election will be her first significant political test, and the stakes are high.
Vinesh Phogat’s entry into politics marks a significant turning point in her life and career. While it is too early to anticipate the results of the elections, one thing is certain: she is not looking for fame or glory.
Her choice to enter politics originates from a genuine desire to better the lives of Haryana residents, particularly women and the rural population. Whether or not she wins the Julana seat, her path from the wrestling mat to the political arena has already inspired a new generation of women to take on leadership responsibilities. Indeed, in that sense, it is a win-win scenario for the world champion wrestler and street fighter.
Picture taken from X handle of Priyanka Gandhi.