In a bold statement, former BJP MP and ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh downplayed the entry of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia into politics, claiming that any BJP candidate in Haryana will easily defeat them. Singh, who refused to contest in the Lok Sabha election, offered to campaign for the BJP in the upcoming Haryana assembly polls. He also alleged that the Congress has conspired to use wrestlers as pawns to destroy the sport, while he, during his tenure as WFI chief, helped popularize wrestling in India on an international level.
Politics versus Wrestling: Brij Bhushan Singh Dismisses Wrestlers' Electoral Ambitions in Haryana
Former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has sparked controversy with a dismissive statement about the political ambitions of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia.
Singh's Claims
In a recent interview, Singh asserted that any BJP candidate in Haryana would easily defeat Phogat and Punia in the upcoming assembly elections. He dismissed their electoral prospects, saying that they lack the necessary political experience and grassroots support. Singh also claimed that the Congress party is exploiting the wrestlers to undermine the BJP's electoral chances.
Background
For several years, Singh has been a dominant figure in Indian wrestling administration. As WFI chief, he has been credited with promoting the sport and helping Indian wrestlers achieve international success. However, he has also faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
In 2019, Singh was expelled from the BJP for supporting an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. He has since returned to the party and has offered to campaign for the BJP in Haryana.
Phogat and Punia's Aspirations
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are two of India's most decorated wrestlers. Phogat has won multiple medals at the Olympics and World Championships, while Punia is a reigning Asian Games champion. Both wrestlers have expressed interest in pursuing political careers and have joined the Congress party.
Implications
Singh's dismissal of Phogat and Punia's electoral prospects has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts believe that his comments reflect the BJP's confidence in its electoral machinery in Haryana. Others see it as an attempt to discredit the wrestlers and discourage their political ambitions.
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