In his first response to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed, “The move started two years ago.” The former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader accused several top Congress figures of orchestrating the wrestlers’ protest against him, which involved allegations of sexual harassment.
Brij Bhushan alleged that the protest began as a political conspiracy on January 18 two years ago. He claimed the Congress, including leaders like Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda, was behind the agitation. “This was not a genuine protest by sportspersons but a scripted drama by the Congress,” he stated.
Targeting Bhupinder Hooda, Brij Bhushan suggested that the Congress leader was central to the movement. He accused the Congress of using the wrestlers’ protest for political gain, stating, “The daughters of Haryana are suffering because of this. We are not to blame; it is Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, and the protesters who are responsible.”
He also questioned what the Congress would say if it was proven that he wasn’t in Delhi on the day the alleged incidents occurred. “They exploited the daughters for politics and defamed them,” he added.
Earlier, Brij Bhushan criticized the Congress’s approach to Haryana assembly elections, dismissing their chances and expressing readiness to campaign for BJP candidates if directed by his party.
Brij Bhushan further criticized Congress leaders who supported the wrestlers’ protests, accusing them of undermining wrestling in India.
On Friday, Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who had led the protest against Brij Bhushan, joined Congress. Phogat will contest the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana, while Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.
The Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.
