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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cautioned former party MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to refrain from making public statements against Olympic wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, sources revealed on Sunday. This directive from the BJP leadership follows Singh's recent criticism of the two athletes after they joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
During media interactions, Singh had asserted that Vinesh and Bajrang, who had gained recognition and fame in wrestling, would see their reputations tarnished after joining the Congress. He argued that their names would be forgotten. These statements came in the wake of the wrestlers' participation in a sit-in protest against Singh last year, accusing him of sexual harassment of junior wrestlers. Singh further stated that Vinesh and Bajrang were mistaken in believing they could win the assembly elections, confidently predicting that even a low-ranking BJP candidate could defeat them. Notably, Vinesh was subsequently fielded by the Congress from Haryana's Julana Assembly constituency.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia was appointed the All India Kisan Congress chief and is expected to play a significant role in the election campaign. On September 6th, both Vinesh and Bajrang joined the Congress, emphasizing their determination to stand up for their beliefs and not back down from any challenges they might face. The BJP's decision to advise Singh against making further statements against the wrestlers suggests a delicate balancing act for the party. While attempting to maintain a strong stance against its political opponents, the BJP must also navigate the potential negative implications of openly criticizing high-profile athletes who have a large following.
Source: BJP advises Brij Bhushan against speaking on Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia: Sources