As the dates for the Haryana Assembly elections have been announced, various political parties are busy finalizing their candidates. Amidst this, there are strong speculations that Haryana’s female wrestler Vinesh Phogat might contest the elections on a Congress ticket. In an exclusive interview with News 24’s Editor-in-Chief Anurradha Prasad, former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda responded candidly to this issue.

During the interview, when asked if the Congress party is planning to field Vinesh Phogat as a candidate in the upcoming Assembly elections, Hooda replied like a seasoned politician. He stated that a sportsperson belongs to the entire country, not just a single party. He mentioned that not only Vinesh but also Manu Bhaker had visited him. However, they did not discuss politics. As for contesting the elections, he said that if they show interest, the party will certainly consider it and give its blessings.

Key excerpts from the interview:

Question: Why is the Congress contesting the elections separately from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state?

Answer: Our alliance with AAP is only at the central level. In the state, our only competition is with the BJP.

Question: How do you view the government led by Nayab Singh Saini?

Answer: Former CM Manohar Lal Khattar is Nayab Singh’s mentor. Under the BJP government, Haryana’s per capita income and investment have declined. The BJP has made Haryana number one in unemployment. The law and order situation in the state is deteriorating.

Question: Will the release of Baba Ram Rahim from jail impact the Congress vote bank in the elections?

Answer: This matter is sub judice, so I should not comment on it.

Question: What problems do you see in the BJP?

Answer: The BJP government has failed on every front. Farmers’ incomes have decreased under the BJP. The prices of seeds, pesticides, and diesel have risen, increasing farmers’ costs, while the government has not raised the MSP.

Question: CM Nayab Singh Saini has said in a statement that your records are not good. What does that mean?

Answer: I don’t want to make any personal comments about anyone. The BJP CM couldn’t even secure a victory for his party in his own village, booth, or assembly.

Question: If Congress comes to power, what decision will it make on caste-based census?

Answer: We will conduct a caste-based census; it’s included in our manifesto.

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Question: After you retire from politics, what do you think people will remember you for?

Answer: Regardless of my position, I never acted out of revenge. I worked to make Haryana an educational hub and did significant work in the power sector.

Question: Why does the BJP label the Congress as a corrupt government?

Answer: Corruption has been found in the BJP government in various areas like the SSB and the Skill Employment Scheme. They themselves are corrupt.

Question: How do you view Rahul Gandhi’s politics?

Answer: Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a strong leader after the Lok Sabha elections. He is our leader, and he has our full support.

Question: What role do you see yourself in on October 4th?

Answer: The Congress government will be formed, and whatever responsibility the high command gives me, I will fulfill.

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