The Congress lashed out at former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after he questioned wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s participation in the Paris Olympic Games. In response, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate remarked, “God punished Brij Bhushan, he is no longer in Parliament, while Vinesh Phogat is set to win and become an MLA.”
He also likened former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his family to the Pandavas, suggesting that just as the Pandavas were not forgiven by the country, the Hooda family would also face the same fate.
“During the Mahabharata, Draupadi was gambled away and the Pandavas lost. The country has still not forgiven the Pandavas for this. Similarly, the Hooda family, by compromising the dignity of our sisters and daughters, will also not be forgiven in the future. They will always be seen as guilty for this,” Singh told the media.
Brij Bhushan, who was denied a party ticket in the recent Lok Sabha elections due to sexual harassment charges brought against him by six female wrestlers, had earlier accused Phogat of securing her place in the Paris Olympics through deceit. Singh alleged that Phogat had manipulated trials and falsely qualified for the Olympics, stating, “God has punished you for cheating.”
Shrinate criticized Singh’s remarks, stating, “The allegations by six girls remain to this day, and you are still chargesheeted. Someone in public life should not say such things.” She further added, “Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is a blot on civil society, and his repeated statements only ensure our victory in Haryana.”
The controversy stems from Singh’s accusations against both Phogat and wrestler Bajrang Punia, whom he claimed avoided trials for the Asian Games. Singh had also mocked their recent decision to join Congress, stating that any “small BJP leader” could defeat them in elections.
Congress Stands With Wrestlers
Congress leaders have strongly condemned Singh’s comments, with party spokesperson Pawan Khera questioning Singh’s audacity. “Six players filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan. How dare he speak like this? We are proud to stand with our daughters, and we will continue to do so,” Khera said. He also highlighted the party’s commitment to fighting for victims of injustice, contrasting it with the BJP’s stance in past controversial cases like Unnao, Kathua, Hathras, and Bilkis Bano.
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were key figures in the wrestlers’ protest demanding action against Singh over sexual harassment allegations. Singh is currently facing charges in connection with these allegations and has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to quash the FIR filed against him.
The exchange of accusations comes as tensions rise ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, where both Phogat and Punia are running as Congress candidates.
