Haryana Assembly Elections: Bhupinder Hooda Denies Vinesh Phogat’s Congress Entry Rumors

Reacting to rumours about Vinesh Phogat joining Congress, Bhupinder Singh Hooda dismissed it as speculative. The former Haryana Chief Minister stated that athletes belong to the entire nation, not just one party. "If anyone joins the party, you will get to know," he said, adding that Phogat deserves due honour and should be nominated to Rajya Sabha.

Addressing the wrestlers' protest, Hooda criticised the government for failing to deliver justice. He highlighted that women wrestlers who have earned global accolades are still waiting for justice. "Our women wrestlers had to sit at Jantar Mantar but they have still not received justice," he remarked. Hooda promised that if Congress comes to power, they will provide 1 lakh permanent jobs in the first year and 50,000 jobs each subsequent year.

Bhupinder Hooda on Agniveer Scheme

Hooda also criticised the Agniveer Scheme, claiming it jeopardises youth's futures. He argued that the scheme deprives young recruits of pensions and facilities. "An 18-year-old will get recruited and come back as a 22-year-old without any pension or facility," he said. Hooda noted that Haryana and Punjab suffer under this scheme as only 250 youths joined compared to 5000 previously.

Since January 2023, wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia have been protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual exploitation and intimidation. On August 22, Vinesh Phogat claimed Delhi Police revoked security for female wrestlers set to testify against Singh. "Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in court," she posted on X.

Hooda's Critique of State Government

Lashing out at the state government, Hooda pointed out Haryana's decline in various sectors since 2014. He mentioned that during his tenure, Haryana led in per capita income, investment, law and order, employment, and sports. "Today we are lagging behind in every aspect whether it is unemployment, sports, per capita income or investment," he said.

On her Olympics performance, Hooda expressed disappointment over the government's treatment of Vinesh Phogat. He argued she deserved honours equivalent to a Gold medal winner but was only given Silver medal recognition. "Injustice has been done to her; she was not given justice," he said.

The Delhi police denied Phogat's allegations about withdrawing security. They clarified that responsibility would be transferred to Haryana Police since most protectees reside there. "The security provided to the wrestlers hasn't been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to takeover the responsibility in future since the protectees normally reside there," said DCP New Delhi in a post on X.

Hooda also criticised 'Kaushal Rojgaar Nigam,' which offers temporary contractual jobs instead of regular employment. He contrasted this with his administration's efforts that provided secure jobs for youth. "During our government we gave regular jobs which secured the future of the youths," he stated.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda emphasised that athletes like Vinesh Phogat should receive proper recognition and respect for their achievements. He reiterated his call for her nomination to Rajya Sabha similar to Sachin Tendulkar's nomination.

The former Chief Minister assured that if Congress forms the central government again, they would reinstate the old recruitment process with pension benefits for armed forces personnel.