A significant development in the ongoing wrestlers’ #MeToo protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has emerged as farmers convene a grand “mahapanchayat” in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the meeting aims to discuss the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Singh by the wrestlers. With representatives from various khaps in attendance, the farmers’ gathering highlights the growing support for the wrestlers’ cause.
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Amidst political interventions and international scrutiny, the protest continues to demand accountability and justice for the alleged victims.
Here are some key facts.
- Farmers’ Mahapanchayat: Today, a grand meeting of all khaps is scheduled to take place in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, to discuss the ongoing wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
- Participation of Khaps: Representatives and heads from various khaps in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi will actively participate in the mahapanchayat, organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).
- Farmer Leader’s Intervention: Naresh Tikait, a prominent leader of BKU, played a crucial role in persuading renowned wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat, to refrain from immersing their medals in the Ganga as a form of protest.
- Wrestlers’ Ultimatum: The wrestlers, who have accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing seven athletes, including a minor, were given a five-day ultimatum by farmer leaders to await action from the police before taking any drastic steps.
- Denial of Wrongdoing: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also a BJP MP, vehemently denied any wrongdoing and boldly stated that he would take his own life if the allegations against him were proven. He challenged the wrestlers to present evidence in court and pledged to accept any punishment if found guilty.
- Union Sports Minister’s Remarks: Anurag Thakur, the Union sports minister, accused the protesting wrestlers of frequently “changing goalposts.” He emphasized that they should refrain from taking actions that could harm the sport or other athletes. Thakur also criticized the involvement of political parties in the protests.
- International Criticism: The United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s governing body, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of investigations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The UWW reminded the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of its commitment to conduct fresh elections for the WFI within 45 days. Failure to do so might result in the suspension of the federation.
- Wrestlers’ Longstanding Protest: The wrestlers have been advocating for action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh since January, demanding justice for the alleged victims of sexual harassment. The ongoing protests highlight their determination to hold the former WFI chief accountable.
- Government’s Call for Trust: Despite the government’s appeal to the wrestlers to trust the ongoing police probe, they have continued to voice their concerns, seeking immediate and substantial action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
- Wrestlers’ Protest and Political Interference: The protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar gained attention when opposition leaders visited the site, leading to accusations of political exploitation of the wrestlers’ cause. The wrestlers themselves had initially stressed that the platform was not intended for politics.
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