BJP Muzzles Brij Bhushan Over Remarks On Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia: Reports

BJP has advised former party MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to avoid making statements against Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, according to sources.

This guidance from the BJP leadership came shortly after Singh criticized the two wrestlers for joining the Congress ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.

Photo Credit: PTI

Singh had remarked to the media that Vinesh and Bajrang gained fame through wrestling, but by joining the Congress, "their names will be erased."

He further stated, "They can contest any Assembly seat in Haryana, a small BJP candidate will defeat them."

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia had previously led a sit-in protest against Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of harassing young junior wrestlers.

Following their protest, Vinesh was fielded by the Congress from Haryana's Julana Assembly segment, and Bajrang Punia was appointed the All India Kisan Congress chief to participate in the election campaign.

On September 6, Phogat and Punia joined the Congress, pledging "not being scared or backing off."

Phogat criticised the BJP for supporting Singh while the Congress stood by the wrestlers, saying, "when they were being dragged on the roads in Delhi."

Punia echoed these sentiments, stating, "the Congress stood with them during their tough times."

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have alleged that the wrestlers' protest was a 'conspiracy' by the Congress to target the BJP.