The dispute involving wrestler and former BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh has taken a new turn. Wrestler’s witness, Malik, made a shocking statement during a national media interview.
Malik claimed that BJP leader Babita Phogat encouraged the wrestlers to protest against Brijbhushan Singh, stating that she aimed to become the WFI president. He revealed, “Babita Phogat called us and asked us to protest against persecution in the federation.” The wrestlers initially believed she would join them in raising their voices against injustice. Malik expressed surprise that she would play such a significant role in their struggle.
According to Malik, Babita intended to spearhead the movement against Brijbhushan due to her personal agenda. He pointed out that some people wrongly suggested that Congress was behind the protests, clarifying that two BJP leaders had actually helped them organize protests in Haryana.
Malik added that Vinesh Phogat was not originally part of the protest; it began based on his suggestion. He emphasized, “We didn’t go blindly into this; we were aware of the serious issues of sexual harassment and torture within the Federation. That’s why we believed it was best to have a woman in charge, especially Babita Phogat, who is also a sportswoman. However, we never anticipated she would manipulate the situation to her advantage.”
In response to Brijbhushan’s recent claims that the wrestlers’ protest against him is over, Malik remarked, “Vinesh Phogat’s recent Olympic success proves his claim wrong. If the protest is indeed over, who allowed Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Olympics?”
Last year, a female wrestler filed a complaint against Brijbhushan, accusing him of sexual assault and inappropriate remarks. She demanded strict action against him and, along with fellow wrestlers, protested on the highway for justice. As a result, Brijbhushan resigned from his MP position and was expelled from the presidency of the WFI.