Congress ticket aspirants skip Vinesh Phogat’s felicitation event in Julana | Jind News – Times of India

BAKHTA KHERA/JIND: Local Congress leaders, who were aspiring for the party ticket from Julana, skipped a felicitation program organized to honor ace wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat in Bakhta Khera village, a part of Julana segment of Jind district on Sunday.
Reportedly, the program was initially scheduled to take place at a school, but due to election commission guidelines, the venue was changed from the school to a field located the outskirts of the village.
The leaders, including strong contenders Parminder Singh Dhull, Dharmendra Dhull, and Rohit Dalal and others are reportedly upset with the party’s decision to field Vinesh Phogat from the Julana seat.Sources reveal that the local leaders feel overlooked and disappointed with the party’s decision to bring in an outsider, despite their years of dedication and hard work.
Although some ticket aspirants attended the event, organized by the Chau Gama Khap of four villages to honor Phogat, many others stayed away after party fielded her.
Notably, Vinesh Phogat reached at her in law’a home for the first time after getting Congress ticket from a segment which is considered farmer’s dominated land. She started a road show from Pauli village, falls on the Rohtak-Delhi highway which passed through Julana to Bakhta khera village where Phogat is married to Sombir Rathi who is an international wrestler. She was honored by khap panchayats and other social outfits at this occasion.
While addressing the gathering, Phogat, expressed gratitude to the party and Priyanka Gandhi for their support. “I thank Congress for giving me the ticket, but more importantly, for standing by me during difficult times,” she added.
Recalling her interaction with Priyanka Gandhi, Phogat said, “When I was contemplating quitting wrestling, Priyanka ji told me not to lose hope. Her words inspired me to continue wrestling. Whether I win or lose, I’ll remain committed to serving you. My dream is to live in villages, where people have zest for life, unlike cities,” she assured villagers.
She sought the audience’s blessings and support, saying, “I want to alleviate your sufferings and need your backing. I will start election campaigning after opening election office on Tuesday in Julana town. I am sure that people will vote the ensure my victory,” she added.
The event witnessed a lukewarm response as there were few hundreds people in the event. It is pertinent to mention that prior to join politics, thousands of people have been attending her programs starting from wrestlers’ protest to returning from Paris Olympic games after her disqualification by 100 grams.
Moreover, all prominent khaps if the region and farmer unions refrained from attending the facilitation event.