Singh has consistently denied the allegations against him, claiming that the protest was designed to tarnish his political image. Following the wrestlers' official induction into the Congress, Singh reiterated his position, stating that the move validated his long-standing accusation of a conspiracy. According to Singh, senior Congress leaders in Haryana, including Deepender Singh Hooda and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, had coordinated with the wrestlers in an effort to weaken his influence.
The allegations against Singh first surfaced in 2023 when Phogat, Punia, and several other prominent wrestlers led a high-profile protest, accusing the then-WFI president of sexual harassment. The protest attracted national attention, with thousands of supporters rallying behind the athletes as they demanded Singh's resignation and criminal prosecution. The Delhi Police later filed a chargesheet against Singh, detailing multiple charges of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate touching, stalking, and criminal intimidation.
Despite the legal action, Singh remains adamant that the accusations were politically motivated. Speaking to the media, he mocked the wrestlers' entry into the political arena, predicting their defeat in the upcoming elections. "They earned fame through wrestling but will lose that stature after joining Congress," he said. Singh also offered to campaign against the wrestlers in Haryana if requested by the BJP, asserting that any BJP candidate would easily defeat them.
Phogat, one of India's most successful female wrestlers, is set to contest the Haryana elections from the Julana assembly constituency, according to Congress insiders. While Punia's political role remains less clear, he too has hinted at contesting the elections, setting the stage for a bitter political battle between the athletes and their former adversary.
Singh has further claimed that his tenure as WFI chief elevated Indian wrestling on the global stage, arguing that it was during his leadership that Indian wrestlers began to win medals consistently. He accused Congress of attempting to dismantle Indian wrestling by undermining the WFI, saying the party had no genuine interest in promoting the sport before his involvement.
This rivalry has extended beyond the sporting world, placing the wrestlers at the center of an increasingly politicized dispute. Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were at the forefront of the protests against Singh and have expressed their determination to continue their fight for justice. Upon joining the Congress, they vowed not to be intimidated by political attacks. Phogat emphasized that her entry into politics was motivated by the desire to bring about systemic change and support causes beyond the wrestling arena.
The Haryana Assembly elections, scheduled for October, are expected to be fiercely contested, with the wrestlers' participation adding a new dimension to the state's political landscape. Singh's offer to campaign against Phogat and Punia has only heightened the drama, as voters prepare to decide between the star athletes-turned-politicians and the BJP establishment. While Singh has pledged to rally support from the wrestling community in Haryana, it remains to be seen how much influence he retains in the state.