 "Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claims Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are pawns in a political conspiracy against him.")
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), claimed that wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were used by the Congress party as “pawns” in a scheme to control the WFI and criticize the BJP. Following their recent entry into Congress, Singh pointed fingers at former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, alleging he orchestrated the plan against him after losing to Singh’s son in past elections. Phogat and Punia initially led protests against Singh, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment. While Phogat aims to fight for women’s rights in wrestling and contest in upcoming state elections, Punia has been appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.
In a recent statement, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accused Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia of being used as "pawns" by the Congress party. This controversy arises following their decision to join the Congress, a move Singh claims is part of a larger plot orchestrated by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Singh alleged that this orchestrated effort aimed to take control of the WFI and undermine the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) influence.
Singh stated, "They were faces… they were mohrey (pawns). They were used like pawns by Bhupinder Hooda, the Congress, and the Congress family." This backlash comes after Singh faced severe criticism and legal troubles due to allegations of sexual harassment against female wrestlers. Olympians Phogat and Punia, who led protests against him, have promised to continue advocating for women’s rights in wrestling.
Vinesh Phogat is now entering politics, aiming to contest in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, while Bajrang Punia has taken on a significant role in the All India Kisan Congress. Meanwhile, fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik has chosen to remain politically neutral, continuing her activism from outside the political arena.
As the upcoming elections approach, the sports and political spheres in India remain highly intertwined, with athletes like Phogat and Punia now navigating their new roles in politics amid ongoing controversies surrounding the WFI.
Tags: Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Congress Party, Wrestling Federation of India, Haryana Assembly Elections, Indian Politics
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What did Brij Bhushan Singh say about Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia?
Brij Bhushan Singh claimed that they are being used as pawns by the Congress party for political purposes. -
Why does Brij Bhushan think they are being used in politics?
He believes that their popularity in sports makes them targets for political manipulation. -
How have Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia responded to these claims?
As of now, they have not publicly responded directly to Brij Bhushan Singh’s accusations. -
What is the background of the controversy involving these wrestlers?
The wrestlers have been protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of harassment and demand for better treatment of athletes. - Why is this situation important for sports in India?
It highlights how sports personalities can become part of larger political issues, impacting their careers and the sports community.
