NEW DELHI: Former WFI President and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that the wrestlers’ protests at Jantar Mantar in 2023 were politically motivated.
Speaking to reporters, Brij Bhushan accused the Hooda family of putting the honour of women at stake for their own gain. Singh also drew a parallel to the Mahabharata, stating, “During the Mahabharata, the Pandavas had put Draupadi on stake and lost.The country has not forgiven the Pandavas for this till date. Similarly, the Hooda family will not be forgiven for the gamble they have played by putting the honour of our sisters and daughters at stake. In all three cases against me, I am outside. Two cases are going on in Lucknow.”
He further said that the protests were not genuinely about the dignity of women, as the wrestlers gradually left, leaving only a family and a group led by Deepender Singh Hooda.
Meanwhile, wrestler Bajrang Punia extended his support for fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is contesting the Haryana assembly elections from Julana. Punia clarified that only one of them would contest the election, and he will work within the organization, carrying out the responsibilities assigned by the party’s ‘High Command’.
When questioned about allegations that the wrestlers’ protests were backed by Congress, Punia denied any political involvement at the time.
“Why were we made to sit on protest? Who were they? Congress party’s or someone else’s? We had nothing to do with politics at that time. We did not allow any politicians on our stage initially…It is their job to set a narrative…There is nothing like that.” he said.
Punia expressed gratitude and hoped to receive the same love in politics that he received through wrestling. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people and working hard at the grassroots level.
The Haryana assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Speaking to reporters, Brij Bhushan accused the Hooda family of putting the honour of women at stake for their own gain. Singh also drew a parallel to the Mahabharata, stating, “During the Mahabharata, the Pandavas had put Draupadi on stake and lost.The country has not forgiven the Pandavas for this till date. Similarly, the Hooda family will not be forgiven for the gamble they have played by putting the honour of our sisters and daughters at stake. In all three cases against me, I am outside. Two cases are going on in Lucknow.”
He further said that the protests were not genuinely about the dignity of women, as the wrestlers gradually left, leaving only a family and a group led by Deepender Singh Hooda.
Meanwhile, wrestler Bajrang Punia extended his support for fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is contesting the Haryana assembly elections from Julana. Punia clarified that only one of them would contest the election, and he will work within the organization, carrying out the responsibilities assigned by the party’s ‘High Command’.
When questioned about allegations that the wrestlers’ protests were backed by Congress, Punia denied any political involvement at the time.
“Why were we made to sit on protest? Who were they? Congress party’s or someone else’s? We had nothing to do with politics at that time. We did not allow any politicians on our stage initially…It is their job to set a narrative…There is nothing like that.” he said.
Punia expressed gratitude and hoped to receive the same love in politics that he received through wrestling. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people and working hard at the grassroots level.
The Haryana assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
