
New Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera took a firm stance on Saturday, condemning recent comments made by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who alleged that the wrestlers’ protest was politically motivated by the Congress party. Khera emphasized that the Congress stands with the athletes, especially those who have filed complaints against Brij Bhushan, and will continue to support their fight for justice.
Khera stated, “Six players lodged an FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh. The accusations made against him are serious. How dare he make such statements? We are proud to have stood, and will continue to stand, with our daughters.”
Brij Bhushan’s Allegations and Congress’ Response
Earlier in the day, Brij Bhushan, also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, alleged that the wrestlers’ protest, which began in January 2023 at Jantar Mantar, was a “conspiracy” orchestrated by the Congress party. He claimed that prominent Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, were behind the movement.
Brij Bhushan further suggested that the recent joining of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to the Congress was proof of political motivation behind the protest. “From the start, I said this was not a movement of sportspersons, but one fueled by the Congress. Today, this has been proven,” he said.
Congress Defends Its Support
In response to these allegations, Khera reiterated the Congress party’s unwavering support for the athletes and dismissed Brij Bhushan’s claims as baseless. He particularly defended Bhupinder Hooda and Deepender Hooda, stating that their efforts were aimed at ensuring justice for the wrestlers, not political gain.
“We will never regret standing by our daughters. What wrong has the Hooda family done by raising their voices? If politics is not about standing with the oppressed, then what is the point?” Khera asked.
A Broader Debate on Justice
The comments by Brij Bhushan have reignited a broader debate about the role of political parties in social movements. Congress leaders, including Khera, have framed their involvement as a necessary step to stand with women athletes fighting for their rights. Khera further criticized the BJP for allegedly protecting individuals who have been accused of wrongdoing, while the Congress, he said, is committed to raising its voice for justice.
As tensions between the two parties escalate, the focus remains on the wrestlers’ allegations against Brij Bhushan, who has faced serious accusations from six athletes. The Congress party, by aligning with the wrestlers, is positioning itself as a champion of justice, particularly for women in sports.
With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the wrestlers’ protest and the allegations surrounding it are expected to play a significant role in political discourse, especially as the Congress continues to assert its stand against what it perceives as the BJP’s failure to uphold accountability.