In a war of words, wrestler-turned-BJP leader Babita Phogat hit back at Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik over her recent claims about Babita’s involvement in the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat dismissed Malik’s claims as baseless, questioning her motives and suggesting the protests were politically driven.
that Babita had motivated several wrestlers to protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for personal gain. Responding sharply to Malik’s assertions in a post on X, Phogat dismissed these accusations as baseless and suggested that Malik’s statements were politically driven , without directly naming her. She accused Sakshi of spreading misinformation for personal gain and to boost the sales of her newly launched book.
The exchange between two of India’s top wrestlers comes in the wake of ongoing tensions around protests led by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, who faces accusations of sexual harassment.
Babita openly criticized Sakshi Malik’s claims, calling them “baseless” and hinting at ulterior political motives behind the allegations. Without naming Malik directly, Phogat suggested in a statement, “Tomorrow, she might claim that I accused her of sexual harassment or even that I was behind the Ganga medal-throwing protest. Her allegations lack substance, and she must clarify the role of certain politicians in the protest.”
Babita further questioned the involvement of Congress leader Deepender Hooda and Priyanka Gandhi in the wrestlers’ protest. “Sakshi Malik must explain why Priyanka Gandhi sent food to the protest site and why Hooda was there. Was the protest being politically engineered?” she asked, insinuating that the protests had deeper political backing.
Phogat also took a swipe at Malik’s personal ambitions, referencing her recently published book. On X (formerly Twitter), Babita posted a cryptic message, saying, “How long will the borrowed light shine? Some got assembly seats, some got posts, but I can understand your pain, sister, for getting nothing. In the race to sell a book, one must not sell their integrity.” Babita’s elder sister, Geeta Phogat, echoed similar sentiments on X, alleging that certain individuals were using Babita’s name to “advance their political agenda.” She added that Babita’s achievements in wrestling and politics were a result of hard work and integrity, dismissing any claims that Babita sought leadership roles within the WFI. The Phogat family’s frustration stems from Malik’s allegation that Babita Phogat initially rallied wrestlers for a protest against Brij Bhushan with the intention of becoming the WFI president. Malik had said in an interview that Babita had a hidden agenda, implying her push for the protest was politically motivated. Sakshi Malik, alongside Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, became the face of the prolonged protest against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
Despite the allegations being heard in court, the protest turned political when Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia later joined the Congress Party.
Phogat went on to contest and win the Julana Assembly seat in Haryana, while Punia was made head of the Congress’ national farmers’ unit.
In her interview to a news channel, Sakshi Malik denied rumors that the Congress had orchestrated the protest, claiming instead that it was BJP leaders, including Babita Phogat, who helped secure permission to protest in Haryana.
Babita’s fiery response to Sakshi Malik’s accusations highlights the rising tensions between former allies now caught in a political crossfire. The BJP leader dismissed any insinuation of her political aspirations, stating, “I have left behind all posts. My hard work speaks for itself, and I don’t need any title to validate it.”
As the case against Brij Bhushan continues in court, the wrestling community remains divided, with high-stakes allegations and counter-allegations fueling the debate.