BJP Leader Brij Bhushan Calls Olympic Wrestlers 'Villains' Amid Haryana Political Stir

BJP's Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh labels Congress leaders, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia as 'villains' ahead of Haryana elections. Singh criticizes their political moves and blames them for hampering India's Olympic chances. Phogat and Punia recently joined Congress amidst rising political tensions.

In a controversial move, former Wrestling Federation of India President and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has branded Congress leaders and wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia as 'villains.' The comments came after the wrestlers joined Congress ahead of the Haryana assembly polls.

Brij Bhushan slammed the athletes, particularly targeting their role in the sporting community of Haryana. 'They are villains of Haryana, especially to athletes,' he said. He accused Bajrang Punia of exploiting his wife for political gain and claimed Vinesh Phogat had breached rules during a wrestling trial, thus undermining junior wrestlers.

Singh declared that India's Olympic prospects would improve if the wrestlers stepped aside. 'If these people hadn't protested, we would have won five medals in wrestling. Let them step aside, and I announce that we will bring five medals in the next Olympics,' he stated. Singh also criticized the broader political landscape, attributing the plight of female athletes to Bajrang, Vinesh, Bhupender Hooda, and the Congress party.

Phogat and Punia resigned from their Northern Railways positions and quickly took significant roles within the Congress party. The Haryana legislative assembly elections are set for October 5, with final nominations due by September 12. The BJP-JJP coalition dissolved earlier this year, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle.