Babita Phogat Urges Hooda to Keep Politics Away from Family Amid Vinesh Phogat Controversy

Babita Phogat criticizes former Haryana CM Bhupinder Hooda for politicizing her cousin, Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Hooda's remark about sending Vinesh to Rajya Sabha stirred reactions from the Phogat family, who labeled it a political stunt.

Babita Phogat, former wrestler and BJP leader, sharply criticized former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda for politicizing her cousin Vinesh Phogat's recent Olympic disqualification. Babita urged Hooda to keep politics away from her family after his statement about wanting to send Vinesh to the Rajya Sabha if he had the majority in the assembly.

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat, who was set for the women's 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics before breaching the weight limit, has sparked nationwide discussions. Hooda expressed his support on Friday, claiming he would have given Vinesh a Rajya Sabha seat, causing a backlash from the Phogat family.

Babita and her father, Mahavir Phogat, labeled Hooda's comments as a political stunt, questioning why athletes like Geeta Phogat were not offered such positions during his tenure. They accused Hooda of discrimination during his government, which saw Geeta and Babita relegated to lesser roles in the police force despite their achievements.

(With inputs from agencies.)