Bhupinder Hooda created rift: Babita Phogat after cousin Vinesh joins Congress

New Delhi: BJP leader and former wrestler Babita Phogat has alleged that senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda is responsible for causing a rift in her family following her cousin Vinesh Phogat's recent decision to join the Congress party.

On Tuesday, Babita Phogat expressed her discontent with Vinesh Phogat's switch to the Congress. "Bhupinder Hooda has managed to create a significant rift within the Phogat family. The Congress party's agenda has always been to divide and rule, and they have a history of breaking families apart," Babita Phogat stated.

Concerns over Vinesh's decision

Babita, who is a prominent BJP leader, criticized Vinesh's hasty decision to join the Congress. She emphasized that Vinesh should have heeded the advice of her father, Mahavir Phogat, who is also her uncle and a revered figure in her life. "Mahavir Phogat is Vinesh’s guru, and she should have followed his guidance. A guru shows the right path," Babita added.

She also commented on Vinesh's recent performance and career choices. Vinesh Phogat, who missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics, was advised by Babita to concentrate on her wrestling career. "Vinesh had the potential to win an Olympic gold in 2028 if she had stayed focused on her wrestling," Babita remarked.

What has BJP said about Vinesh?

On September 6, Vinesh Phogat and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia joined the Congress party. Vinesh has been nominated by the Congress to contest from the Julana constituency in the upcoming Haryana Assembly election scheduled for October 5.

Vinesh Phogat’s decision to join Congress follows her vocal criticism of the BJP, particularly regarding former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh, along with other wrestlers, had protested last year against Singh, accusing him of harassment towards junior wrestlers.

Babita Phogat's political stance

Babita Phogat, who joined the BJP in 2019, was not selected as a candidate for the Haryana election. Despite this, she has expressed her unwavering support for the party's decisions. "I support the BJP’s top leadership decisions. The party is larger than any individual, and the country is greater than the party," she asserted.

Babita Phogat has pledged to continue her dedication to the BJP and fulfill any responsibilities assigned by the organization, maintaining her commitment to her political career despite the recent family turmoil.