Vinesh Phogat Calls Brij Bhushan a ‘Goon and Criminal’, Accuses BJP of Shielding Him

Congress leader and wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, calling him a “goon and criminal” and accusing the BJP of continuing to support him despite allegations of harassment raised by women wrestlers.

Speaking to reporters in Haryana’s Jind on the sidelines of a political programme, the 31-year-old MLA from Julana made it clear that her battle against Singh was far from over.

“Who is Brij Bhushan? Forget about him. He is a goon and a criminal. Why should we give so much respect to that man?” Vinesh said.

The former wrestler also questioned Singh’s wealth and influence, alleging that several people in his political stronghold of Gonda had suffered because of him. She said the fight would continue through legal channels, including the Supreme Court.

Vinesh, one of the leading faces of the 2023 wrestlers’ protest, accused the BJP of standing behind Singh and alleged that money and political influence were being used to protect powerful individuals.

“On the strength of money, atrocities are committed against girls. This is the reality of the BJP. The BJP is supporting him,” she said.

Drawing parallels with the treatment of wrestlers during their protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Vinesh said the police action against protesters three years ago reflected a pattern that was still visible today.

She also took aim at the BJP’s nationalism campaign, arguing that the party had no right to lecture the Congress on patriotism. Recalling the wrestlers’ agitation, she said they too had fought for dignity and justice while carrying the tricolour.

Vinesh further criticised the reported “purification” of a venue after a rally addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, questioning whether a Dalit leader could be denied the right to visit such places.

Her latest remarks underline that the confrontation between Vinesh Phogat and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, born out of the 2023 wrestlers’ movement, continues to remain a politically charged battle.