Former Indian kabaddi captain Deepak Hooda is contesting the Haryana Assembly polls from the Meham constituency as a BJP candidate. Hooda, who joined the BJP six months ago, is confident of winning against Congress' Balram Dangi and independent MLA Balraj Kundu.

Deepak Hooda, a former captain of the Indian kabaddi team, is stepping into a new arena as the BJP nominee for the Meham Assembly constituency in Haryana. The 30-year-old is vying for votes in a district known for its Jat community support.

Rumours are rife about a rift in the Congress party, with the absence of Selja from Congress' campaigns for the Assembly polls. Selja was also missing during the event to launch the Congress manifesto by Mallikarjun Kharge.

BJP leader Babita Phogat has responded to her cousin Vinesh Phogat's criticism of the BJP during her campaign for the Haryana elections. Babita called Vinesh's comments narrow-minded and urged reflection on words used.