former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda; Vinesh's uncle Mahavir Phogat
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: With Haryana Assembly polls scheduled later this year, former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday said he would have nominated wrestler Vinesh Phogat to the Rajya Sabha if the Congress had the numbers in the state assembly.
However, Vinesh's uncle Mahavir Phogat called it a "political stunt" and said Hooda could have sent his daughter and Vinesh's cousin Geeta, who had won several medals,
Bypolls to a Rajya Sabha seat, which became vacant after Deepender Hooda was elected to Lok Sabha, will be held on September 3. After being disqualified from the wrestling gold medal match due to being overweight, Phogat announced her retirement from the sport.
Bypolls to a Rajya Sabha seat, which became vacant after Deepender Hooda was elected to Lok Sabha, will be held on September 3. After being disqualified from the wrestling gold medal match due to being overweight, Phogat announced her retirement from the sport.
"To motivate her … There are Rajya Sabha polls soon ... We don't have a majority, else I would have nominated her. She has made us all proud," the senior Hooda told reporters.
Deepender Hooda said, "she has not lost, she has won. She has won the hearts of people and is an inspiration for the youngsters. A Rajya Sabha seat from Haryana has fallen vacant as I have come to the Lok Sabha. The election notification has come. What Hooda sahab said today, she should be given a Rajya Sabha seat. I urge all parties of Haryana to consider this."
Mahavir Phogat said despite setting many records, wrestler Geeta Phogat was not sent to the Rajya Sabha when Hooda was Chief Minister. "Today Bhupinder Hooda said that he would have sent Vinesh to the Rajya Sabha if he could. Why did he not send Geeta Phogat when his government was there?" he said.