'Conspiracy by Congress, Deepender Hooda, Bhupinder Hooda': Brij Bhushan on allegations against him

In 2023, Indian wrestlers protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its then president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Former chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda and his son Deepender of "hatching conspiracy" against him through last year's protest.

"When allegations were made against me, I said that it's a conspiracy by Congress, Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda. I have said it earlier, the country is saying it today. Now, I needn't say anything about it,” he said while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda.

The BJP leader has earlier also accused the Congress of conspiring against him. He had also then claimed that he had audio clips to prove it.

#WATCH | Gonda, Uttar Pradesh | Former WFI president and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says, "When allegations were put against me, I said that it's a conspiracy by Congress, Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda. I have said it earlier, the country is saying it today. Now, pic.twitter.com/H7TzdxI1kO
ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2024

Singh had also alleged that wrestler Bajrang Punia was also involved in the conspiracy against him. In 2023, Indian wrestlers protested against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its then president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, for allegations of sexual harassment of female wrestlers. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP cancelled his ticket from the Kaisarganj seat which he represented till 2024. Instead, the BJP gave a ticket to his son Karan Singh instead.

The BJP leader’s comment came the day after Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence. The meeting fueled speculation that the two could contest Haryana elections as Congress candidates. After spending an hour-and-a-half with Rahul, the duo met AICC general secretary K C Venugopal. Vinesh Phogat is likely to contest from the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia is likely to contest from the Badli seat, according to reports.

Both the athletes are said to be in touch with former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his Rohtak MP son Deepender Singh Hooda.

Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar also made a big claim against the wrestler duo after they met Rahul Gandhi.

The former Haryana CM said last year's protest is finally "reaching its climax" as the wrestlers ask Congress for tickets to contest the upcoming state assembly polls. He also alleged that the wrestlers’ protest was “politically motivated”.