BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been accused of sexual harassment by three of India’s top wrestlers – Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia. The wrestlers have accused the Indian government of not adequately addressing their allegations. BJP MP Brijendra Singh has expressed his empathy for the wrestlers on Twitter, stating that he feels the pain and helplessness of athletes who have to immerse their medals in the Ganga river. This response stands in contrast to the position taken by other BJP members, including Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The physical handling of the protesting wrestlers by the Delhi Police on May 28 has drawn condemnation from international organizations such as the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Brijendra Singh’s tweet sheds light on the situation that has “forced them to the brink of throwing away their lifetime of hard work — the medals from Olympics, CWGs and Asian Games — in the Ganga.” Haryana Home Minister and BJP leader Anil Vij has also expressed his support for the protesting athletes.
However, it is worth noting that the Haryana BJP leadership has not yet officially taken a stance on the issue, despite the growing support for the wrestlers. Singh has raised the matter with BJP President JP Nadda, emphasizing that the party’s reputation is at stake and that the protest requires an immediate resolution. Haryana BJP President Om Prakash Dhankar also discussed the issue with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, underscoring the wrestlers’ right to justice. Meanwhile, the protesting wrestlers have returned to Haryana from Haridwar after farm leader Naresh Tikait prevented them from discarding their medals in the Ganges river. All wrestlers, except Sakshi Malik, have returned home to Haryana.
