'The change Haryana was looking for': Vinesh Phogat on exit polls predicting Congress win

All seven exit polls pointed to a decisive victory for the Congress, with an aggregate prediction of 55 out of 90 seats, while the BJP is expected to secure 26 seats.

The star athlete and first-time Congress candidate, described the polls as a reflection of the change the people of Haryana had long awaited.

"It is a very happy day for the people of Haryana. Everyone has taken part in making this happen by voting in large numbers. The change that Haryana was looking for has been brought about by its people. It is the result of what people suffered over the last 10 years," Phogat, whose 2024 Olympic disqualification had been a major disappointment for the country, was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Despite the exit polls showing a potential end to BJP’s 10-year rule in the state, the party has dismissed the notion of anti-incumbency, insisting it will retain power.

The Congress, however, had previously described the BJP’s decade-long governance as a "decade of pain."

Phogat, contesting from Julana, thanked the voters for bringing about this change.

"The people through their vote have avenged the oppression that they have suffered in the last 10 years. They had pledged that they will avenge the BJP and today they managed to do that. I thank the Congress party. Haryana is thanking the Congress," the 30-year-old said, according to NDTV.

Although exit polls have occasionally missed the mark, as seen in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Congress appears poised to replace the BJP in Haryana, continuing its positive momentum from the national polls.