Vinesh was manipulated by Deepender, Bhupinder Hooda for political gains: Mahavir Phogat

Dronacharya awardee and wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat on Friday expressed disapproval of former wrestler and his niece Vinesh Phogat contesting the Haryana elections. In response to her recent comments about using the Congress' symbol to criticise the BJP, Phogat stated that such language is inappropriate and should not be tolerated.

In a recent statement, Vinesh used the Congress symbol as a metaphor. She stated that the symbol of 'Hand' will act as a slap and will strike the BJP government on October 5.

Reacting to this statement, Mahavir Singh Phogat said, "Using such language is really bad, it should not be used".

Mahavir Phogat also expressed concern over Vinesh's foray into politics, suggesting that it was not her intention to enter the political arena.

He indicated that Vinesh was pushed into politics for political gain by figures like Deepender Hooda and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda.

In support of Babita Phogat's statement that Vinesh was drawn into politics through a Congress conspiracy, Mahavir Phogat agreed, asserting that the public expected Vinesh to focus on competing in the 2028 Olympics and bringing home a gold medal.

"The last time they did protests, it was not politically influenced, but Deepender Hooda and Bhupinder Hooda influenced her to join politics. I wished that she should win Gold medal in the 2028 Olympics. I am against this decision of hers, she did not want to contest the elections, dont know how did they come to this conclusion," said Phogat.

Earlier on September 6, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress in a big boost to the party. The Former wrestler was given a ticket by the Congress party from the Julana constituency. Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a short while after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games after being found overweight by about 100 gm in her 50-kg category weigh-in.

The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.