In the early hours of December 27, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made an unannounced visit to Chhara village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district. This visit comes at a time when Indian wrestling is embroiled in controversy, following the suspension of the newly elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh, and the cancellation of the federation’s new body by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Gandhi’s Engagement with Wrestlers at Virender Arya Akhara
Rahul Gandhi’s stop at the Virender Arya Akhara in Chhara village is significant. This village is the hometown of Deepak Punia, a noted wrestler. Here, Gandhi interacted with wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, another prominent figure in Indian wrestling. Both Deepak and Bajrang commenced their wrestling careers at the Virender Arya Akhara, making it a landmark in the Indian wrestling community.
The Context of Rahul Gandhi’s Wrestling Visit
The timing of Gandhi’s visit is crucial. It coincides with ongoing disputes within the WFI, exacerbated by the Ministry’s recent actions against the federation and its president. Sanjay Singh, considered an ally of BJP MP and former WFI president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, was suspended amid allegations of sexual harassment against Brijbhushan involving female wrestlers.
Bajrang Punia’s Insights Post-Gandhi’s Visit
Post this encounter, when media quizzed Bajrang Punia about the purpose of Gandhi’s visit, Punia revealed that the Congress leader was keen to understand and observe their daily wrestling routine. He mentioned that Gandhi not only watched but also participated in wrestling and exercises, getting a firsthand experience of a wrestler’s daily regimen. However, Punia did not disclose any specific discussions held with Gandhi.
Potential Visit to Rohtak’s Wrestling Scene
Reports from India Today suggest that Gandhi might also visit Rohtak, where he is expected to attend a wrestling event. His itinerary is said to include a visit to the Mehr Singh Akhara in Dev Colony. It’s speculated that his stop at Jhajjar to meet wrestlers was a part of his journey towards Rohtak.
The Controversy Surrounding WFI
The village of Chhara, where Gandhi visited, is not only notable for being Deepak Punia’s hometown but also for its wrestlers’ stand against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. Wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Deepak Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik have been vocal in their protest against Singh. They have expressed concern that the appointment of Sanjay Singh, seen as close to Brijbhushan, would not bring the desired reforms in WFI.
The Suspension of WFI by the Sports Ministry
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suspended the WFI following the announcement of under-15 and under-20 wrestling competitions by the new president, Sanjay Singh. The Ministry accused the federation of not adhering to the requisite norms while making these announcements.
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