Wrestlers Protest: Leading India wrestlers have launched a renewed protest against the Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. They spent the night at Jantar Mantar and have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the sexual harassment matter. The wrestlers have also sought the support of political parties, farmers’ organizations, women’s organizations, and khaps. Follow Wrestlers vs WFI LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
Wrestlers Protest: Bajrang Punia Urges Indian PM Modi to Intervene
In a recent statement, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, highlights a plea for greater support for athletes in India, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. He appealed to PM Modi to step up and provide support for athletes, not just when they achieve success, but throughout their journey as athletes.
“When players win medals, you stand with them. When they are on the road, then you are silent,” said Punia as per Indian Express.
The wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, have now admitted that they made a mistake by ending their protest three months ago. They stated that they were “manipulated” by certain individuals. Bajrang also stated that they are seeking support from khaps and other organizations for their current protest.
“We wanted to keep it (protest) apolitical the last time around but now, we want the farmers’ organisations, the women’s organisation, the khaps to support us,” said Bajrang.
Wrestlers Emphasize Non-Partisan Nature of Protest
In January, the wrestlers had emphasized that their protest should not be politicized after Brinda Karat, a senior leader of the CPI(M), attempted to express solidarity with them. The wrestlers were clear in their message, urging all parties not to give their cause a political tint. They wanted their protest to be seen as a non-partisan movement, focused solely on their demands and not aligned with any particular political ideology or agenda.
“Everyone is welcome this time, be it BJP, Congress, or Aam Aadmi Party. When we win medals, we don’t fly any party’s flag – it’s about the Tricolour. We don’t belong to any party either; we belong to the country,” said Bajrang Punia.
The wrestlers have called for Brij Bhushan to be charged in an FIR after lodging a police complaint last Friday. They have accused him of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation, with one wrestler claiming that he should be apprehended under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. This is due to one of the complainants being a minor, and it is believed that Bhushan’s actions are in violation of the act. The wrestlers are demanding that justice be served and that Bhushan be held accountable for his alleged actions.
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