Political Tug-of-War: Wrestlers in the Crossfire

Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accused Congress of using wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia as 'pawns' in a conspiracy to overthrow him and attack BJP. The wrestlers had led protests against Singh, resulting in his ouster amid allegations of sexual harassment. Both have now joined Congress.

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were used by the Congress party as 'pawns' in a conspiracy to seize control of the WFI and attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Singh, who was dethroned from his position following accusations of sexual harassment, reiterated that ex-Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda played a key role in the plot after Singh defeated Hooda's son in the 2012 WFI elections. Singh had maintained firm control over the WFI until he faced protests led by Phogat and Punia last year.

After Phogat and Punia joined Congress, Singh dismissed their accusations, saying the wrestlers were manipulated by Congress. Phogat plans to contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, and Punia has been appointed working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, while another wrestler, Sakshi Malik, has chosen to remain apolitical.

(With inputs from agencies.)