Sakshi Malik Accuses Babita Phogat of Hidden Agenda in Wrestlers’ Protest

Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has claimed that Babita Phogat had a hidden agenda during the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India

Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has claimed that Babita Phogat had a hidden agenda during the wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In an interview with India Today, Sakshi revealed that Babita, a member of the BJP and one of the Phogat sisters, encouraged the wrestlers to protest to secure Brij Bhushan’s position as WFI president for herself. According to Sakshi, Babita assembled the wrestlers. She suggested they raise their voices against the federation’s alleged misconduct, including accusations of molestation against Brij Bhushan. While Sakshi acknowledged Babita’s role in initiating the protest, she clarified that the wrestlers did not unthinkingly follow her lead, as they were aware of serious issues within the federation.

Sakshi also dismissed rumours that the Congress party supported their protest, revealing that BJP leaders, including Babita and Tirath Rana, helped secure permission to protest in Haryana. The protest, spearheaded by Sakshi, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat, was marked by sexual harassment allegations within the WFI. The movement gained national attention but ended after the wrestlers were maltreated during a march toward the new Parliament Building. Since then, both Bajrang and Vinesh have entered politics, with Vinesh winning a seat in the Haryana Assembly and Bajrang leading the Congress party’s national farmers’ unit. Sakshi’s revelations have added a layer of political intrigue to the wrestlers’ fight for justice, highlighting the complexities of their movement both on and off the mat.