"Brij Bhushan Singh's Controversial Remarks Following Vinesh Phogat's Electoral Victory: A Political and Personal Feud"

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the controversial BJP leader and former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), stirred up fresh controversy with his remarks following Vinesh Phogat’s electoral victory from the Julana Assembly seat in Haryana. Singh, who has long been at odds with Phogat, claimed that her success was directly linked to his influence, stating, "She used the power of my name to win. This means I’m a great man."

Singh's comments come at a time when the Haryana Assembly elections delivered unexpected results, with Phogat emerging victorious on her electoral debut under the Congress banner, a party that faced a tough battle against the ruling BJP. Vinesh Phogat, an Olympic wrestler, had previously been at the forefront of protests against Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment, along with other wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.

Referring to Phogat's victory, Singh asserted that her presence within Congress was a curse for the party, implying that wherever she went, failure would follow. “Wo jahan jahan jaegi, satyanaash hi hoga (Wherever she goes, destruction follows)," he remarked, as quoted by ANI. He dismissed her win as hollow, stating that although she secured the seat, it contributed to Congress’s overall loss, which he attributed to the negative impact of her association.

Despite these remarks, Phogat has embraced her victory as a triumph not just for herself, but for women and girls everywhere. In her first response after winning, she declared, “This victory is not just mine, but represents the struggle and truth of every girl who dares to fight against injustice." Her success in Julana stands as a personal vindication after a long and public struggle against Singh, who she had accused of sexual misconduct earlier in 2023. The protest, which included high-profile wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, had led to widespread public attention and legal action, including two FIRs filed against Singh, one under the stringent POCSO Act.

The tension between Singh and Phogat had been brewing since the protests, with Singh vehemently denying the allegations and maintaining his influence within the political and wrestling arenas. Phogat's decision to join Congress earlier in 2024 was seen as a direct challenge to Singh's dominance, particularly in Haryana, a state where wrestling holds immense cultural significance.

While Singh continues to downplay Phogat’s political rise, her victory in Julana has been celebrated by many as a symbol of perseverance and the fight for justice. Phogat's political career now begins amidst a charged atmosphere, with her win not only marking a personal milestone but also spotlighting the broader struggle of women athletes who have spoken out against harassment within Indian sports.

As the dust settles from the Haryana elections, Singh’s comments are likely to further ignite the debate surrounding his contentious role in both Indian wrestling and politics, while Phogat's political journey promises to be closely watched, as she navigates a new arena—one that, much like the wrestling mat, demands resilience and determination.