Wrestler Babita Phogat Accuses Congress of Unfair Job Allocation; Deepender Hooda Claims BJP Neglects Athletes

A heated debate has erupted in Haryana over the treatment of athletes by different political parties. The controversy began when Congress MP Deepender Hooda accused the current BJP government of discriminating against athletes in job appointments. This allegation was quickly countered by former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat, leading to a public clash of words. 

The Accusations

In Parliament, Deepender Hooda claimed that the BJP government had stopped the "win a medal, get a post" policy introduced by the previous Congress government. He stated that Olympic medal winners from Haryana had not received job appointments, and even cash awards were not given to athletes. Hooda specifically mentioned Sakshi Malik, saying she had not been offered a job in Haryana.

Babita Phogat's Response 

Babita Phogat, known for her wrestling achievements, took to social media to challenge Hooda's statements. She accused the Congress government of unfair treatment towards her and her sister, Geeta Phogat. Babita claimed she deserved a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) position but was only offered a Sub-Inspector job by the Congress government. She added that her sister Geeta had to go to court to secure a DSP position. 

The Phogat Sisters' Struggle 

The Phogat sisters' journey highlights the complexities of athlete recognition in Haryana. Both Geeta and Babita initially received Sub-Inspector positions under the Congress government. They later secured higher positions under the BJP government, with Geeta becoming a DSP and Babita appointed as Deputy Director in Sports. 

Achievements and Political Aspirations

Geeta and Babita Phogat have impressive sports records. Geeta won gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and various other championships. Babita secured medals in Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Asian Championships. She also represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Babita has since entered politics, contesting the 2019 Assembly elections from Charkhi Dadri as a BJP candidate. Although she came third in that election, she remains active in local politics and is preparing for future electoral battles.

The Bigger Picture

This controversy sheds light on the broader issues facing athletes in India. It raises questions about the consistency of government policies in supporting sportspersons and the political dimensions of athlete recognition. The debate also highlights the need for transparent and fair systems in job allocations for athletes, ensuring that their achievements are properly rewarded regardless of political affiliations. 

As the argument continues, it's clear that the welfare and recognition of athletes remain contentious issues in Indian politics. The clash between Babita Phogat and Deepender Hooda represents not just a personal disagreement, but a larger debate about how best to support and honor India's sporting talents.