In a recent turn of events, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has stirred controversy with his remarks against Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. Singh’s comments have not only sparked a political debate but also raised questions about the intersection of sports and politics in India.
The Allegations
On September 7, 2024, Brij Bhushan Singh accused Vinesh Phogat of cheating to participate in the Paris Olympics. He claimed that her failure to win a medal was a form of divine retribution. “You went there by cheating. God has punished you for the same,” Singh stated. He further alleged that Phogat and Punia had not practiced for over two years and hinted at a political conspiracy involving Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda.
Singh’s remarks came shortly after Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party, just weeks ahead of the Haryana Assembly polls. Phogat has been fielded as the Congress candidate for the Julana constituency, while Punia has been appointed the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.
Political Reactions
The comments have elicited strong reactions from various political quarters. Congress leaders were quick to defend Phogat and Punia, accusing Singh of trying to malign their reputations for political gain. Supriya Shrinate, a Congress spokesperson, pointed out Singh’s absence from Parliament and questioned his credibility.
Bajrang Punia also hit back at Singh, stating that the allegations were baseless and aimed at diverting attention from the real issues. “If you were in my place, you would have faced a lot of slaps,” Punia retorted.
The Background
The controversy dates back to January 2023, when several wrestlers, including Phogat and Punia, protested against Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. The protests gained significant media attention and led to Singh stepping down as the WFI president. Singh has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a politically motivated conspiracy orchestrated by the Congress.
Singh reiterated this claim in his recent remarks, stating, “Back in January, when the protest began, I told the media that this was all a conspiracy against me, and now it is clear. The script was written by Congress, and it has been exposed at their party office”.
The Impact on Sports
The ongoing feud has cast a shadow over Indian wrestling, a sport that has brought the country numerous accolades on the international stage. Singh’s allegations have raised questions about the integrity of the athletes and the administrative bodies governing the sport.
Singh questioned the legitimacy of Phogat’s athletic achievements, asking whether a player could give trials in two weight categories in one day and whether trials could be paused for five hours after the weigh-in. He also accused Punia of participating in the Asian Games without completing the required trials.
The Road Ahead
As the Haryana Assembly polls approach, the controversy is likely to intensify. Singh has hinted that he may campaign for the BJP if asked, stating, “If they (BJP) will ask me, I can go. One day, Congress will have to regret it”. His remarks suggest that the political battle in Haryana will be closely intertwined with the ongoing feud in the wrestling community.
The Congress, on the other hand, is banking on the popularity and credibility of Phogat and Punia to win over voters. Their entry into politics is seen as a strategic move to counter the BJP’s influence in the state.
Conclusion
The allegations leveled by Brij Bhushan Singh against Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have added a new dimension to the political landscape in Haryana. As the state gears up for the assembly elections, the intersection of sports and politics will be closely watched. The outcome of this political battle will not only shape the future of Haryana but also have far-reaching implications for the world of Indian sports.
In the midst of this controversy, it is essential to remember the contributions of athletes like Phogat and Punia to Indian sports. Their achievements on the international stage have brought pride to the nation, and their foray into politics should be seen as an extension of their commitment to serve the country.
As the political drama unfolds, one can only hope that the focus remains on the real issues affecting the people of Haryana and that the integrity of Indian sports is upheld.
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Neeraj Tiwari