‘They Were Fighting for Politics’: Brij Bhushan’s First Reaction on Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Joining Congress

New Delhi: Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who faced sexual harassment allegations from Indian wrestlers, has accused Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat of “cheating” her way into the games. Singh claimed Phogat’s failure to secure a medal was divine retribution.

“I ask Vinesh Phogat, can an athlete give trials in two weight categories on the same day? Can trials be halted for five hours after the weigh-in?… You didn’t win; you got in by cheating. God has punished you,” Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president said.

Singh’s remarks followed Congress’ decision to nominate Phogat as its candidate for the Haryana Assembly election from Julana.

Additionally, Singh alleged that wrestler Bajrang Punia, who recently participated in the Asian Games, did so without completing the required trials. “Bajrang participated without trials. Haryana is the sports crown of India, but wrestling activities were paused for over 2.5 years. I ask experts in wrestling, is this not true?” Singh said, speaking to ANI.

Both Phogat and Punia, key figures in the protests against Singh last year, have entered politics by joining the Congress. While Phogat is contesting the Haryana elections, Punia has been appointed working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

Singh continued his criticism, claiming he has not disrespected women athletes and instead placed the blame on Phogat, Punia, and Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda for “disrespecting daughters.” He also expressed willingness to campaign for the BJP in Haryana if needed, stating that any BJP candidate would defeat Phogat.

Phogat, upon joining Congress, remarked that while the BJP supported Singh, Congress stood by the wrestlers during their protest. Punia echoed this sentiment, adding that the BJP ignored their pleas, claiming that the BJP IT Cell falsely accused them of using the protest for political gain.

BJP leaders have alleged that the wrestlers’ protest was a Congress-driven “conspiracy” to target the ruling party.