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BJP Releases 2nd List For Haryana Polls, Vinesh Phogat’s Opponent Is…
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its second list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, naming an additional 21 nominees. This latest announcement brings the total number of declared BJP candidates to 87 for the 90-member legislative assembly. Notably, the BJP has selected Captain Yogesh Bairagi to face off against Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who will represent the Congress party from the Julana constituency.
In their initial list of 67 candidates, the BJP nominated Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from the Karnal district, shifting him to the Ladwa seat. Prior to this, Saini served as the Member of Parliament for Kurukshetra from 2019 to 2024. The list also includes significant figures like former state BJP president Om Prakash Dhankar, now a national secretary within the party, who will contest from the Badli constituency. Another key leader, Anil Vij, a seasoned BJP member and former state minister, will vie for reelection from his long-standing Ambala Cantt constituency.
Several political heavyweights who recently defected to the BJP have been rewarded with candidacy. Devender Singh Babli, a former Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) member, will stand from Tohana, while Shruti Choudhry, a new BJP entrant and granddaughter of former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal, will compete from Tosham. Additionally, Aarti Singh Rao, daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, has been allocated the Ateli seat, alongside several other loyalists of the minister, strengthening the party’s foothold in southern Haryana.
With the assembly polls set for October 5, the BJP is striving for a third consecutive term in the state. However, it faces fierce competition from a rejuvenated Congress party. The election results will be declared on October 8.
BJP’s Strategy for Haryana Assembly Elections
The BJP’s approach to the Haryana Assembly elections indicates a strategic mixture of fielding seasoned politicians and welcoming new entrants from other parties. This dual strategy aims to harness the experience of established leaders while capitalizing on the fresh energy and support brought in by recent defectors.
Key Candidates in the Second List
The decision to pit Captain Yogesh Bairagi against renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat in Julana signals the BJP’s intent to contest prominent opposition figures with strong local candidates. Meanwhile, the inclusion of recent party joiners like Devender Singh Babli and Shruti Choudhry is expected to bolster the BJP’s appeal across different regions and communities within Haryana.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its confident stance, the BJP faces several challenges in its quest for a third term. The Congress party, buoyed by its recent successes and high-profile candidates like Vinesh Phogat, poses a significant threat. Additionally, local issues, economic conditions, and the overall political climate will play crucial roles in determining the election’s outcome.
As the election date nears, both the BJP and its rivals are ramping up their campaigns, engaging in fierce political battles, and striving to win the favor of Haryana’s electorate. The results of these elections will not only determine Haryana’s political landscape for the next few years but will also reflect on the national dynamics and the BJP’s standing in the region.
