Dushyant Chautala and Vinesh Phogat face heat from flood-hit villagers

The flood situation continues to trouble people, mostly in rural areas of some districts in Haryana, and affected residents appear increasingly upset with Opposition leaders. Two leaders from the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Congress have faced public anger.

Congress MLA and wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s visit to her constituency Julana in Jind district drew criticism from local people, who complained that she had shown up only when nearly 75 per cent of the floodwater had receded. Villagers alleged this was her first visit since winning the election and questioned the timing of her tour, pointing out that most of the water had already drained away. Tensions erupted when Phogat reached Buwana village, where a local, Sudhir, confronted her, accusing her of ignoring repeated calls during the crisis.

However, the MLA attempted to pacify him. Other villagers eventually stepped in to calm the situation, allowing her to continue her inspection. She later visited Barad Khera, Buwana, Kharainti, Garhwali, Jhamola, Karela, and Malvi, where she interacted with farmers and promised assistance.

In Bhiwani district, former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala was lambasted by 80-year-old Dheera for “doing nothing” for the people. Dheera targeted the JJP leader, stating that Chautala had “taken benefits” himself but failed to help the villagers. Confronting him over unfulfilled promises, Dheera accused him of neglecting the people and dismissed Chautala’s claims about pension schemes, stating that the credit went to his great-grandfather, former deputy prime minister Devi Lal, not to him. A video of the argument has gone viral. Chautala eventually walked away with his supporters, who tried to pacify the situation. Notably, a section of people remains upset with him for supporting the BJP-led government in 2019.