Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia comes amid several wrestlers returning their awards to protest the election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's loyalist Sanjay Singh's election as WFI chief.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Virender Arya Akhara in the Jhajjar district of Haryana on Wednesday morning, where he engaged with wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia. This visit coincides with a recent controversy surrounding the Wrestling Foundation of India (WFI). The Ministry of Sports suspended the WFI following an announcement by the newly elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, regarding the hosting of the U-15 and U-20 nationals later this year.
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The controversy stems from allegations of sexual harassment against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Wrestlers who made these accusations expressed dissatisfaction with the election of Sanjay Singh, given his close association with Brij Bhushan. In response to the situation, Sakshi Malik declared her retirement from wrestling, Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, and Vinesh Phogat declared her intention to return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award in protest.
WATCH: Rahul Gandhi meets Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers at their Akhada. The wrestlers have been up in arms against the Wrestling federation. pic.twitter.com/XRyPbmxDup
— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant)ji reached Virendra Arya Akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar and met wrestlers including Bajrang Punia.pic.twitter.com/usoKzpVTsG
— Maheshdhruva8 (@MaheshDhruva8)Bajrang Punia mentioned that Rahul Gandhi joined him in a workout session, actively participating and even attempting some wrestling moves alongside the Olympian. "He came to see our routine, and tried hands on wrestling and workout regime," Bajrang said adding that Rahul Gandhi shot a video at the akara for his YouTube channel.
Rahul Gandhi Ji has reached Jhajjar, Haryana to meet and interact with wrestlers including Bajrang Punia. pic.twitter.com/lSo3zYsdXR
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite)Amid wrestlers vs. WFI tussle, Rahul Gandhi visits akhada in Jhajjar, Haryana, and meets wrestlers Bajrang Punia and others.
Punia says Rahul Gandhi did wrestling and exercises along with him, went through the routine!! pic.twitter.com/5CZprIjhNt
Rahul Gandhi reached the akhara at 6.15 am, coach Virendra Arya told news agency ANI. They were not aware of the Congress leader's visit. "He told us about his sport and asked us about wrestling. He had roti and saag with us," another wrestler added.
Rahul Gandhi's visit comes days after his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra went to Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik's residence to visit her after she announced her exit from wrestling. Following his visit, the Congress leader was heavily trolled on X, formerly Twitter. Here's a look at how users reacted:
Rahul Gandhi hiding Bajrang Punia's award with his hand. It's a surprise. 😁😁 pic.twitter.com/PfVEDpgP94
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs)Wo sab to theek hay..
But see rahul gandhi's hand.
What is he trying to indicate ?? 🤔🤣
We know, that is Congress party's real Place ..
But bajrang punia, be careful nahi to -- 🤭🤭 pic.twitter.com/ChCR0wkfhY
Rahul Gandhi meets Bajrang Punia.
Bajrang Punia is an open supporter of Bajrang Dal.
Rahul Gandhi has back-stabbed his muslim supporters. pic.twitter.com/ah7Hb9y7Ix
Rahul Gandhi gives Bajrang Punia a glimpse of his real position! 😂 pic.twitter.com/sLQ5Hxypmd
— Neehar (@Neehar1999)Pappu ko pata hai haryana mai usko acche vote mil sakte h isliye waha bhi chala gaya drama karne https://t.co/2a3CMIcv2r
— ajay_pandit (@896rudra)Jaise bajrang punia 0-10 se Hara tha vaise hi Rahul Gandhi bhi 2024 me 60-350 se haar jye ga
Kyu ki tayari punia karva raha hai
Rahul Gandhi support Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia supports bajrang Dal
Bajrang Dal abuse Muslims
Hence Rahul Gandhi is not my PM.
shame on Rahul Gandhi. .
Meanwhile, BJP MP Brij Bhushan distanced himself from the ongoing WFI controversy, asserting that upon Sanjay Singh's election as the federation's chief, he retired from wrestling. Clarifying that Sanjay Singh is a close acquaintance but not a relative, Brij Bhushan emphasized that any developments concerning the federation are now a matter between the federation and the government. Brij Bhushan's current priority is directed towards the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.