Brij Bhushan Singh Accuses Hooda Family of Conspiracy Using Wrestlers as Pawns

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has accused the Hooda family of Congress of conspiring against him by using wrestlers as pawns. Singh, previously charged with sexual assault by female wrestlers, alleges the Congress manipulated the athletes to control the Wrestling Federation of India. The protests led to Singh stepping down as WFI head.

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has accused the Hooda family of Congress of conspiring against him using wrestlers as pawns. Last year, Singh, a former Wrestling Federation of India chief, faced sexual assault allegations from several female wrestlers, leading to a prolonged protest demanding an investigation.

Addressing reporters at his residence on Sunday, Singh compared the situation to Draupadi's predicament in the Mahabharat, accusing the Hooda family of staking the honor of daughters and sisters. Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik spearheaded last year's agitation.

Singh criticized Bajrang Punia for competing in the Asian Games without trials and dismissed the wrestlers' protest as a family affair, accusing Congress leader Deepender Hooda of orchestrating the demonstrations. Singh was also forced to step down as WFI head, facing criminal charges. Phogat and Punia have recently joined Congress, with Phogat now running for the Haryana Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)