Brij Bhushan Accuses Congress of Conspiracy and Vinesh Phogat of Cheating

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Singh has sharply criticized wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her and Bajrang Punia’s recent entry into Congress ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections. Singh accused Phogat of cheating during the Olympics and claimed their political shift confirms his long-held belief that the 2023 protests by wrestlers were orchestrated as a political conspiracy against him by the Congress.

Singh, who has been facing sexual assault allegations that triggered widespread protests by wrestlers in January 2023, reiterated his stance that these accusations were part of a Congress-led plot involving Bhupinder Hooda.

“When the protests began in January, I stated publicly that this was a conspiracy against me, and now it’s evident that Congress was behind it, as revealed at their party office,” Singh remarked.

His comments followed Phogat and Punia’s formal induction into the Congress on Friday, with Phogat set to run for a Haryana Assembly seat from the Julana constituency.

Singh expressed his discontent, accusing both wrestlers of tarnishing the sport and disrespecting athletes, particularly women wrestlers. “They’ve not only harmed me but also damaged the sport and insulted female athletes,” he said.

He questioned the authenticity of Phogat’s achievements, stating, “I want to ask Vinesh Phogat if it’s possible to compete in two weight categories in one day and if trials can be delayed for five hours post weigh-in. You won no medals because you were punished for your actions.”

Singh also criticized Bajrang Punia for allegedly participating in the Asian Games without completing necessary trials and accused the Congress of exploiting these athletes for political gain. “I have not insulted women; Congress has. They are the ones using female athletes for their political agenda,” he added.

Denying the sexual assault claims against him, Singh asserted that the truth will be proven in court. “A court will eventually confirm that I was not in Delhi during the alleged incidents. For one accusation, I was in Serbia, and for the other two, I was in Lucknow. The truth will come out, and people will judge accordingly,” he claimed.

Singh also accused Congress of hypocrisy, alleging that while they profess to respect women, they are the ones truly disrespecting them. “I am not guilty of dishonoring women; if anyone is, it’s Bhupinder Hooda, who orchestrated this narrative,” he said.