Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has responded to the recent move of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining the Congress party by claiming that the entire situation was orchestrated two years ago. Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP leader, suggested that this political shift had been in the works for some time.
On Saturday, Singh criticized several prominent Congress leaders following Phogat and Punia’s decision to join the party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. He asserted that the wrestlers’ protest against him, which included serious allegations of sexual harassment, was part of a broader political scheme. Singh pointed fingers at Congress figures such as Bhupinder Hooda and Deepender Hooda, accusing them of scripting the entire episode.
“About two years ago, these athletes began what I called a political conspiracy from the start,” Singh said. “The Congress, including Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda, was deeply involved. This is not just an agitation by sportspersons; it’s a Congress-led operation.”
Singh also criticized the Congress leaders who joined the wrestlers’ protests, labeling them as political opportunists who turned athletes into pawns. He expressed his belief that the wrestlers’ actions were motivated more by political gain than genuine concern for women’s rights. Singh emphasized that the allegations against him were unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that the Congress’s involvement was evident.
In response to the political shift, Singh stated that if directed by his party, he is ready to actively campaign in Haryana, confident of strong support from his community. He also dismissed the Congress’s electoral strategies, suggesting that even a minor BJP candidate could defeat them.
Phogat and Punia, who spearheaded the protest against Singh, have now joined Congress, with Phogat set to contest the elections from Julana and Punia taking on a role within the All India Kisan Congress. Their political entry marks a significant shift as Haryana heads towards its assembly elections on October 5, with results to be announced on October 8.
