New Delhi: With the entry of Vinesh Phogat into the Congress and her subsequent nomination as a candidate for the Haryana Assembly elections, former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Singh on Saturday claimed that Phogat’s move is proof of a larger “political conspiracy” against him “orchestrated by the Congress”.
Singh alleges that the wrestlers’ protest, which saw prominent athletes like Phogat and Bajrang Punia demanding his arrest, was not a genuine fight for justice, but a politically motivated campaign driven by the Congress party, particularly by Bhupinder Hooda and his son Deepender Hooda. He further claims that the protests were a “script” written by the Congress party to damage his reputation and political standing.
Adding fuel to the fire, Singh has also launched a scathing attack on Phogat’s Olympic performance, alleging that her disqualification ahead of the final in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics was “a result given by god.” Singh claims that Phogat’s participation in trials for two different weight categories on the same day violated UWW rules and that her victory in the 50kg category was achieved through unfair means.
Singh’s pronouncements come amidst a backdrop of his own political struggles. Despite winning his parliamentary seat for three consecutive terms, he was denied a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections by the BJP following the allegations against him.
Congress party announced Phogat as its candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency, while Punia has been given the post of working president of the All India Kisan Congress.