Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik has thrown a wrench into the narrative surrounding the ongoing wrestlers’ protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In a bombshell interview with India Today, Malik has accused BJP leader Babita Phogat of using the protest to further her own political ambitions.
Malik, a prominent figure in the protest, alleges that Phogat, who contested elections in Haryana on a BJP ticket, approached the wrestlers with the idea of protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh. But according to Malik, Phogat’s motives weren’t purely about seeking justice for the wrestlers. “Babita Phogat approached us with the idea of protesting against Brij Bhushan Singh because she had her own agenda — she wanted to become the WFI president,” Malik revealed.
This revelation directly contradicts the BJP’s line that the wrestlers’ protest was politically motivated and fueled by the opposition Congress party. Malik, however, has refuted this claim, stating that two BJP leaders – Babita Phogat and Tirath Rana – initially helped the wrestlers secure permission to protest in Haryana.
“There are rumours that Congress supported our protest, but that’s false. In fact, two BJP leaders helped us secure permission to protest in Haryana – Babita Phogat and Tirath Rana,” Malik told India Today on Monday.
Malik’s accusations have added another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation. With both sides accusing each other of political maneuvering, the focus has shifted away from the initial demands of the wrestlers for accountability and justice. The protest, which started with a call for action against the alleged sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Singh, is now embroiled in political mudslinging, raising serious questions about the sincerity of the players’ fight for their rights.