Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has accused the Hooda family of the Congress party of orchestrating a conspiracy against him, using wrestlers as pawns. He alleges the Congress, like the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, is sacrificing the well-being of women for political gain.

The “Draupadi at Stake” Allegation

Singh, a former BJP MP, draws a parallel between the wrestlers’ protest and the Mahabharata, where Draupadi was gambled away. He alleges the Hooda family is exploiting the wrestlers’ grievances for political mileage, similar to how the Pandavas put Draupadi at stake during a game of dice. Singh claims that the Hooda family is jeopardizing the future of these wrestlers by using them in their political battles.

A Family Protest, Not a Wrestler’s Revolt

He goes further, questioning the legitimacy of the wrestlers’ protest, labeling it as a “family protest” orchestrated by the Hoodas. Singh insists that the protest is not a genuine expression of wrestlers’ concerns and that there are wrestlers all over India who haven’t joined this “family affair.”

Targeting Deepender and Priyanka

Singh specifically targets Congress leader Deepender Hooda, accusing him of leading the protest in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. He also points fingers at Priyanka Gandhi, claiming she was present during the protests. Singh emphasizes the Congress party’s active role in orchestrating and profiting from the wrestlers’ agitation.

Congress’s Political Gain Through Wrestling

Singh further claims the wrestlers, notably Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have become pawns in a larger conspiracy by the Congress to control the WFI. He claims the wrestlers were manipulated by the Congress into taking action against him. He even questioned Bajrang Punia’s decision to participate in the Asian Games without trials, alleging that he had put his wife at stake.

WFI Turf War

The WFI has been at the heart of a political struggle between Singh and Deepender Hooda. Singh gained control of the federation in 2012 after defeating Hooda. However, the wrestlers’ protest forced Singh’s resignation from his position as WFI president. Despite Singh’s resignation, he is facing criminal charges in court, while his close associate Sanjay Singh has been elected as the new WFI head. The sports ministry, however, has not recognized Sanjay Singh’s position. The WFI is still grappling with these internal conflicts.

Wrestlers’ Move to Congress and Election Politics

Following their involvement in the protest, Phogat and Punia joined the Congress party. This move coincided with the release of the Congress party’s first candidate list for the Haryana Assembly elections. Both wrestlers have been fielded as candidates in the upcoming elections, with Phogat specifically chosen to contest the Julana seat. This action strengthens the perception of Congress utilizing the wrestlers for political gain.

Takeaways

• Singh accuses the Hooda family of using the wrestlers in a conspiracy to discredit him. He emphasizes their active involvement in the protest and alleges that the wrestlers are pawns in a bigger game of political control.
• Singh questions the legitimacy of the protest, calling it a “family protest” orchestrated by the Hoodas rather than a genuine expression of concern from wrestlers.
• Singh claims the Congress, through the Hoodas, exploited the wrestlers’ grievances for political mileage, much like the Pandavas sacrificing Draupadi in the Mahabharata.
• Singh alleges that Bajrang Punia’s mental condition has been affected and that he was coerced into action by the Congress.
• The WFI remains embroiled in a power struggle between Singh and the Hoodas. This struggle has now spilled over into the political arena with wrestlers being strategically incorporated into the Congress campaign.
• The wrestlers’ decision to join the Congress and stand for elections underscores the politicization of the sport and its involvement in larger political strategies. This further highlights the complex interplay of sport, politics, and personal ambitions.