Bajrang Punia Rips Into Brij Bhushan For Deriding Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Defeat: 'He Is A History-Sheeter'

Olympic medallist and newly inducted Congress member Bajrang Punia responded sharply to BJP leader and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, following Singh's controversial remarks about wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics.

Singh had claimed that Phogat deserved to be disqualified, sparking a backlash from Punia.

Photo Credit: PTI

In an interview with India Today, Punia slammed Singh's comments, stating, "This exposes the mentality of Brij Bhushan Singh towards the country. It was not Vinesh's medal. It was 140 crore Indians' medal. And he is gloating at her loss."

Punia expressed anger over how Phogat's disqualification had been turned into a point of mockery, alleging that the BJP's IT Cell had led a campaign to demean her, reported.

"The way Vinesh Phogat lost out on a medal at the Paris Olympics had been a matter of national grief, but the BJP's IT Cell ran a campaign to mock and demean her," he claimed.

Punia questioned the patriotism of those who celebrated Phogat's disqualification.

"Those who celebrated Vinesh's disqualification, are they deshbhakts? We are fighting for the country since childhood, and they dare to teach us patriotism. They are molesting girls," he charged, alluding to the sexual harassment allegations against Singh, which had been brought forth by several women wrestlers.

Singh, who is currently facing trial for these allegations, had previously claimed that Phogat's failure at the Olympics was divine retribution.

"God had punished her," he remarked, while also accusing Phogat of cheating by unfairly taking another wrestler's spot at the Olympics.

"She went to the Olympics by taking the spot of the girl who had defeated her in the trials, and by creating a commotion. Therefore, whatever happened to her was justified, and she deserved it," Singh said.

Reacting to Singh's accusations, Punia defended Phogat and pointed out that Singh had crossed a line by naming her in connection with the sexual harassment case.

"We never told which wrestler was molested. He committed a crime by taking Vinesh's name," Punia asserted.

Referring to Singh's suggestion that Phogat should have slapped him if he had molested her, Punia said, "Agar ladkiyon mei thappad maarne ki himmat uss waqt hoti, to aapko bahut saare thappad lagte (If the girls had the courage to slap you back then, you would have been slapped many times)."

Punia also accused the BJP of protecting Singh and using central agencies to suppress the wrestlers who had spoken out against the former WFI chief.

"Brij Bhushan Singh is a history sheeter, with charges from theft to sedition. The BJP is supporting him. I have no hopes from PM Modi now. Agencies were used against me; I was banned on dope charges. I have no expectations from the WFI President," he said.

Explaining his decision to join the Congress, Punia said the party had supported wrestlers during their most challenging moments.

He credited the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and other opposition parties for standing with them during the protests against Singh.

Phogat and Punia had been part of these protests in 2023, which eventually led to Singh's trial for sexual harassment. Singh, however, denied the allegations and claimed he was not in Delhi when the alleged incidents occurred.

Punia clarified that he would not be running in the Haryana Assembly elections, leaving the field to Phogat.

"I am not contesting the Haryana Assembly elections; only Vinesh will run," he confirmed.

Regarding potential nominations to the Rajya Sabha, Punia stated that any decision would be made by the Congress party.