Fresh controversies have surrounded former Olympian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia who has joined Congress to contest the forthcoming assembly elections in Haryana.

While the wrestlers employer Indian Railways has given a notice seeking explanation to serve the three months notice period, their intentions to join politics were questioned by former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against whom wrestlers levelled sexual harassment allegations.

Bhushan accused that the protests against him over sexual harassment allegations were nothing but a political conspiracy by Congress two years ago.  In his first response Brij Bhushan accused Phogat of “cheating” by taking another wrestler’s spot at the Olympics.

He claimed Phogat the “face of the Congress conspiracy” and claimed that she was part of a plot hatched against him by Congress leader Deepender Hooda and the Hooda family. He further added that Phogat of cheating to attend the games saying she could not win a medal because God had punished her.

Hitting back, Punia said Singh’s remarks reflect his mindset, adding, “It wasn’t just Vinesh’s medal, it was a medal for 140 crore Indians. He is taking satisfaction in her loss.” Punia further alleged that Vinesh Phogat’s failure to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics had been a moment of national sorrow, but the BJP’s IT Cell launched a campaign to mock and belittle her.

While Phogat has been fielded for the polls, Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

The BJP leader also alleged that Bajrang Punia participated in the Asian Games without completing the trials.

Meanwhile, Punia questioned the patriotism of those who celebrated Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, asking whether they could truly be considered “deshbhakts.” He stressed that he and others had been fighting for the country since childhood, while those who criticise them “dare to teach patriotism” and are involved in “molesting girls,” he alleged.

Congress sources said the BJP’s intention to prevent Phogat  from contesting after she has resigned from her department will go futile since both the former railways employees have resigned with immediate effect and the railways have no choice but to either waive off the three months notice period or curtail financial benefits. Both have been served a show cause notice by Indian Railways and sources in the railways said as of now the resignations were not accepted and technically they continue to be a government servant. The election commission mandates that the contestant should not be a government employee.