Brij Bhushan Charges “Conspiracy” After Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress

Mr Singh accused Vinesh Phogat of violating rules during the Olympic trials. He claimed that she had attempted to try out for two different weight categories on the same day and insinuated that her disqualification in the final bout was a divine result. In response, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who had previously protested against Mr Singh, joined the Congress.

Subsequently, Phogat was announced as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency and Punia was appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress. In a statement to reporters, Brij Bhushan Singh alleged a conspiracy against him, implicating the involvement of the Congress, particularly Bhupinder Hooda and his family. He contended that the protests were politically motivated and had tarnished the reputation of female wrestlers.

The former BJP MP, who had been denied a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections, refuted the allegations against him and stressed that the court would make its decision. Mr Singh reiterated that the rules of the governing body UWW prohibit wrestlers from competing in multiple weight categories on the same day. He specifically pointed out Vinesh Phogat’s actions during the trials, claiming that she unjustly influenced the outcome.

He expressed skepticism about her entry into the Congress benefiting the party in the upcoming Haryana elections. Vinesh Phogat responded in Hindi, expressing gratitude to the people for their support throughout her wrestling career and acknowledging the BJP and other parties for standing with them during their struggles. She emphasized the importance of standing up against mistreatment and injustice towards women.

The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on October 5, with the counting of votes on October 8.