Mumbai: In a scathing assault on the Narendra Modi-led NDA authorities on the Centre, ‘Saamana’, the official mouthpiece of the Uddhav Thackeray-led UBT faction of Shiv Sena, ridiculed the ruling dispensation following the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the Union Sports Ministry.
Saamana Editorial Highlights Wrestlers’ Protest
The strongly worded Saamana editorial revisited the fervent protests by wrestlers, significantly in opposition to former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP chief accused of sexual harassment. The uproar reached some extent the place Delhi Police initiated FIRs, compelling Singh to step away from the day by day operations of the highest wrestling physique. The subsequent WFI elections confronted renewed dissent from star grapplers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, resulting in accusations of the Centre breaking guarantees.
कुस्ती महासंघ अखेर चीतपट, साक्षी आणि बजरंगच्या दणक्याने मोदी सरकारला जागhttps://t.co/dWtNnXt1bU
— Saamana (@SaamanaOn-line) December 25, 2023
Centre’s U-Turn: Saamana Applauds ‘Belated Wisdom’
In response to the athlete’s discontent, the Union Sports Ministry introduced the suspension of the WFI, together with key office-bearers like newly elected president Sanjay Singh. Saamana, whereas taking a swipe on the Centre, applauded the “belated wisdom” displayed within the face of mounting protests.
Delayed Acknowledgement Of Wrestler Struggle: Saamana
The editorial emphasised the persistent efforts of Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and different athletes of their battle in opposition to the misrule of Brij Bhushan. It criticized the federal government’s preliminary reluctance to deal with the difficulty, alleging a deaf ear to cries for justice. The piece acknowledged the suspension as a victory however confused that the wrestlers should proceed their battle for justice.
Wrestlers’ Triumph: Saamana Seeks Continued Struggle
While recognizing the aid introduced by the WFI suspension, Saamana urged wrestlers and their supporters to not halt their battle for justice. It famous a constructive shift with Brij Bhushan’s diminished affect however cautioned that the suspension marked solely the preliminary triumph in a chronic battle.
IOA Intervention: Union Sports Ministry Directs Ad-Hoc Committee
In a subsequent transfer, the Union Sports Ministry instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to determine an ad-hoc committee to supervise WFI affairs. This determination adopted the announcement by newly elected WFI president Sanjay Singh concerning the internet hosting of U-15 and U-20 nationals in Uttar Pradesh.
Sakshi Malik Retires, Bajrang Punia Returns Padma Shri
The aftermath of the WFI suspension noticed Olympian Sakshi Malik retiring, alleging a betrayal of guarantees by the Centre. Bajrang Punia, expressing reservations about Sanjay Singh’s election, returned his Padma Shri in protest. Both athletes had beforehand led protests in opposition to Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment.
