Hooda's Promise to Rajya Sabha Nominee Vinesh Phogat Sparks Debate

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed his intention to nominate wrestler Vinesh Phogat to the Rajya Sabha if Congress had the numbers. Announcing her retirement at 29, Vinesh Phogat sought forgiveness for her shortcomings. Deepender Hooda supported her nomination, triggering a critical response from Mahavir Phogat.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced on Thursday that he would have nominated wrestler Vinesh Phogat to the Rajya Sabha, had the Congress boasted a majority in the state assembly.

The acclaimed grappler bid farewell to her international wrestling career on the same day, stating she no longer possessed the strength to continue. Vinesh Phogat, 29, who was disqualified from the Olympic Games for being 100 grams overweight ahead of her anticipated gold medal bout in the 50 kg category, sought public forgiveness for her shortcomings in a poignant social media message announcing her retirement.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Hooda emphasized his support for Phogat, "To motivate her … There are Rajya Sabha polls soon ... We don't have a majority, else I would have nominated her. She has made us all proud." His son, Lok Sabha MP Deepender Hooda, echoed this sentiment, noting that a Rajya Sabha seat from Haryana had recently fallen vacant and urging all political parties to consider Phogat's nomination. However, Mahavir Phogat, Vinesh Phogat's uncle, criticized Hooda's remarks as a political stunt, citing that his daughter, accomplished wrestler Geeta Phogat, was not similarly honored during Hooda's tenure as chief minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)