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Vinesh Phogat hits back at Brij Bhushan's 'pawn' remark, says will prove him wrong

Former WFI chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan had said the wrestlers' entry into politics proved that the protest was staged by the Congress

(L) Vinesh Phogat, (R) former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh | PTI

Wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat kicked off her campaign from Julana for the upcoming Haryana assembly election on Sunday. 

Phogat received a warm welcome from her supporters when she reached Julana. Elderly people, women and members of various 'khaps' greeted her and gave their blessings. 

Wrestlers Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were at the forefront leading the wrestlers' protest against then WFI chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, joined the Congress party on Friday. After joining the party, Phogat said "not being scared or backing off".

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While speaking to the reporters on Brij Bhushan's latest remarks against the wrestlers, Phogat said that everything he had said had been proved wrong and his latest comments would prove no different. 

Brij Bhushan has said that Phogat's entry into politics only proved that the sexual allegations against him and the protest were staged by the Congress party. 

He also alleged that Phogat violated rules in the Olympics by trying out for two different weight categories on the same day. 

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"My loved ones supported me. Like they ensured victory in wrestling (during her sports career), they will continue their blessings here (electoral contest) and with their blessings, we will win every battle," said Phogat. 

While addressing a gathering at Bhakta Khera village, Phogat said at a stage when we were lacking courage and also felt like leaving the country, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi supported them and held them close. 

"She told me not to lose courage and asked us to answer through wrestling," she said. 

Criticising the wrestlers for joining politics, Brij Bhushan said, "These wrestlers made a name in the sport and became famous on the strength of wrestling. Now after joining Congress, their name will be erased.”

The 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5 and the counting of votes will be undertaken on October 8.