Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh Downplays Wrestlers' Political Foray

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh dismissed wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's political moves, claiming BJP candidates would still win in Haryana. Singh, accused by wrestlers of harassment, blamed Congress for using the athletes as pawns. He also reiterated past conspiracies against him.

Former BJP MP and ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Friday downplayed wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's entry into politics, arguing that any BJP candidate would defeat them if they ran in Haryana. Singh also expressed his willingness to campaign in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections if his party permits.

Speaking to journalists from his Vishnoharpur residence, Singh remarked, ''These wrestlers gained fame through their sporting achievements. Now, by joining Congress, their names will fade away.'' Earlier, Phogat and Punia, leading figures in the protests against Singh, had joined Congress, vowing to persist despite challenges.

Singh claimed that the wrestlers' protests were orchestrated by Congress leaders aiming to gain political mileage. He criticized the impact of these protests on the sport, alleging that the Congress, with the wrestlers' support, had harmed Indian wrestling's reputation and development.

(With inputs from agencies.)