Wrestler Mahavir Phogat join BJP with daughter Babita

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Wrestler Babita Phogat and her father Mahavir Phogat on Monday joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju here.

Mahavir Phogat, a Dronacharya Awardee, had joined Ajay Chautala's Jannayak Janata Party, earlier this year.

However, on Monday he was at the BJP headquarters hailing the government for having abrogated Article 370 that gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

After he joined the BJP, Rijiju praised Phogat senior saying: "He has produced a number of great wrestlers under him."

On Saturday, Babita Phogat, an Arjuna Awardee, had come out in support of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar after he allegedly made a sexist remark on Kashmiri women, saying there was nothing offensive in what he said.

"Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has not made any such statement that is offensive to our sisters and daughters. I urge the media to not misinterpret his statement," she said on Twitter.

Interestingly, in the past there have been instances when she spoke against Haryana government's policies, especially with regards to monetary facilities for the athletes from the state. In fact, the former sub-inspector of Haryana police, Babita had also filed a case against the state government with regards to her promotion being held back. She had lost that case and resigned.

Speaking to the media after the Phogats joined his party, Rijiju said: "It is a matter for pride for the BJP that the two wrestlers, who made India proud, have joined the party," he said.