New Delhi: Olympic wrestler and Congress member Bajrang Punia has strongly criticized former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for his disparaging comments about fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Singh stated that Phogat deserved her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, which sparked outrage.Punias critique of Singhs remarksIn an exclusive interview with India Today, Punia condemned Singhs statements as indicative of his mentality towards the country. Punia emphasized that Vinesh Phogats Olympic bid was a matter of national pride, representing the dreams of over 1.4 billion Indians. It was not Vineshs medal it was 140 crore Indians medal. And he is gloating at her loss, Punia asserted.Watch the video here:#WATCH | Rohtak, Haryana: On election ticket to Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia says, We had decided that only one of us would contest election and she is contesting. I stand with Vinesh...I will work in the organisation and carry out the responsibility given by the High Command.… pic.twitter.com/BJRt0GxXZZ— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024Punia accused Singh of fueling a campaign that mocked and demeaned Phogat after her Olympic defeat. He questioned the patriotism of those celebrating her disqualification, suggesting that their actions undermine the spirit of the nation. Those who celebrated Vineshs disqualification, are they deshbhakts he asked.Singhs allegations and Punias counterclaimsSingh, who faces sexual harassment allegations from several wrestlers, had claimed that Phogats failure to secure a medal was divine retribution. He alleged that Phogat had unfairly taken the Olympic spot of another wrestler and implied that her loss was justified. She went to the Olympics by taking the spot of the girl who had defeated her in the trials, and by creating a commotion, Singh stated.Heres what Singh said:#WATCH | On Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Former WFI president and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says, On 18th January 2023 when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I had said that this is not a movement of sportspersons, Congress is behind it,… pic.twitter.com/XLcwz34R4R— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024Punia hit back, accusing Singh of a serious offense by involving Phogat in the sexual harassment case and suggesting that Singh should have faced consequences if the allegations were true. He committed a crime by taking Vineshs name, Punia said. He further expressed frustration over the perceived support Singh received from the BJP and the alleged misuse of central agencies against wrestlers who protested.Political, personal falloutPunia also explained his decision to join the Congress, attributing it to the partys support for wrestlers during their protest against Singh in 2023. He noted the backing received from Congress, AAP, and other opposition parties during their struggle. Regarding his political future, Punia clarified that he would not be contesting in the Haryana Assembly elections. Instead, he hinted that only Vinesh Phogat would run, leaving any Rajya Sabha nomination up to the partys discretion.Ongoing investigationsPhogat and Punias involvement in the protests led to Singhs trial for sexual harassment, which Singh denies, claiming he was not in Delhi on the day of the incident. As the situation continues to develop, the political and personal implications for all parties involved remain significant.
