NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has thrown his weight behind Congress candidate Anirudh Chaudhry in the hotly contested race for the Tosham constituency in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In a video message, Sehwag urged voters to support Chaudhry, describing him as “an elder brother” and emphasizing the backing he had received from Chaudhry’s father, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, a former BCCI president.
“I consider him my elder brother, and his father has always been a strong supporter throughout my career. This is a significant day for Anirudh, and I believe I can help him,” Sehwag said. “I urge the people of Tosham to help him win.”
ALSO READ: J&K phase 3 polls: 69.65% turnout, beats Lok Sabha polls
Sehwag’s endorsement injects fresh energy into what was already a highly competitive race, where political allegiances and family ties intertwine. Chaudhry, 48, a seasoned politician, is the son of Ranbir Singh Mahendra and grandson of the late Bansi Lal, a four-time chief minister of Haryana. His political lineage places him in the center of a fierce battle, with his cousin, Shruti Choudhry, contesting the same seat on a BJP ticket. The rivalry between the two cousins adds another layer of complexity to an already significant election in Tosham, a constituency known for its deep-rooted family and political histories.
Anirudh Chaudhry, confident in his campaign, has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government, particularly regarding issues affecting the local community. “I am certain that Congress will emerge victorious because the current government has failed to address critical issues, especially those impacting farmers. There is a severe water crisis here, and the BJP has not provided any meaningful solutions,” he said. “Development in the region has come to a halt, and I want to resolve these issues for the people of Tosham.”
ALSO READ: North Kashmir polls: 15 lakh voters decide fate of 202 candidates
Sehwag’s support is expected to energize voters, especially those who admire him for his cricketing achievements. His endorsement shifts attention to key issues like water scarcity and stalled development, bringing these concerns to the forefront of the campaign.
In a constituency where family legacies run deep, Sehwag’s public backing of Chaudhry could play a decisive role. As the election approaches, his involvement has introduced a new dynamic into an already closely watched contest.