Vinesh Phogat: Politics Entry Was a Necessity, Not a Choice

Vinesh Phogat Says Politics Wasn’t a Choice, It Became a Necessity

Wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat, known for her outstanding prowess on the mat, has taken on a new challenge — politics. Contesting from the Julana constituency in Jind, Haryana, on a Congress ticket, Phogat said that her entry into politics was not by choice but born out of necessity. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Phogat spoke in detail about her decision to enter politics, why she chose to contest on a Congress ticket, and her vision for Haryana.

Reason for Entering Politics

Phogat shared, “After the 2024 Olympics, circumstances led me to this decision (to contest the elections). The people demanded that I step up for them, for their children, and to keep the fighter in me alive.” She explained that her decision was prompted by the relentless fight for justice following the wrestlers’ protest, which failed to yield any results despite the hardships they faced.

Wrestlers’ Protest Yielded No Results

Vinesh Phogat was one of the top wrestlers who took to the streets to protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh after he was accused of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers. “We fought on the streets, but what did we gain? Only mistreatment and humiliation. I went to the Olympics, but did I receive justice? No. We never got justice. Entering politics was not a choice, but a necessity,” Phogat stated.

Sharp Attack on BJP

When asked about BJP’s claim that the wrestlers’ protest was politically motivated, Vinesh Phogat responded, “When we agitated, the initial permission was granted by two BJP leaders. They can’t blame Congress. It means the BJP was divided on the issue.” She added, “No woman takes to the streets, gets her clothes torn, or her hair pulled just to enter politics. Athletes like me, who have earned medals and are known to the people, could have entered politics if we wanted.”

Further Criticism of BJP

Phogat further attacked the BJP by saying that when the wrestlers sat on protest for the second time, they gave the party every chance to take action against their MP (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh), but the BJP did nothing, and the entire party sided with him, portraying the wrestlers as liars. “When we threatened to submerge our medals in the Ganga, it wasn’t just Congress who came to us. Mamata Banerjee called us, pleading not to do it. She isn’t from Congress. AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal came to our protest. People from various political parties came to support us. BJP can’t claim that the wrestlers’ protest was orchestrated by one political party,” she added.

Challenges of Politics

Reflecting on the difficulties of entering the political arena, Phogat said, “The beginning is tough in every field, just like wrestling was in the beginning. Politics is no different, but with time, I will learn and adapt.” She admitted that her biggest challenge at the moment is getting to know people and understanding their needs.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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