New Delhi: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by India’s prime wrestlers, on Sunday slammed the athletes for his or her protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and mentioned that their motive is politics and never his resignation. Wrestlers together with Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting since April 23, demanding prison motion towards Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, for alleged sexual harassment and intimidation of seven wrestlers together with a minor, following which an FIR was filed towards him.Â
Speaking to reporters, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh mentioned, “This battle has gone beyond the athletes now as political parties have become part of it. From day one of the protest, I felt that this protest was politically motivated and not the voice of the athletes. They have been influenced by politicians.”
He added that it’s clear that these athletes are being utilized by Congress and different opposition events.Â
“It’s evident since the beginning that their (protesting wrestlers) motive is politics, not (my) resignation,” he advised reporters.
His response got here after a number of leaders from numerous political events together with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Jayant Chaudhary, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, CPI-M’s Brinda Karat visited the protest website and prolonged their assist to the athletes in the previous few days.
Wrestlers warn towards utilizing their platform for politics
The protesting wrestlers on Saturday warned towards utilizing their platform for political good points claiming few individuals are making an attempt to take their battle for justice in a special path. Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia mentioned they will not let anybody use their platform for political good points.
“A few people are trying to take our movement in a different direction and we strongly refute it. This is a fight for justice for India’s daughters,” Punia mentioned however didn’t point out whom he was referring to.
He added that politics and different issues are ‘secondary’ and that the dignity and honour of ladies are first.Â
Vinesh Phogat additionally sought to placate the individuals in place of energy.
“All those, who hold constitutional posts (I want to say), that the common man also deserves respect. We respect all, we will not say anything that goes against their honour, but we should also be respected,” she advised reporters.
The wrestlers have asserted that they will not go away the protest website till Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is arrested.
On Friday, Delhi Police registered two FIRs towards Singh on allegations of sexual harassment levelled by seven ladies wrestlers. While the primary FIR pertained to allegations of a minor wrestler and was registered underneath the POCSO Act, the second was associated to outraging modesty.
