Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat (centre), Sangita Phogat (proper) and Sakshi Malik throughout their protest at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on April 26, 2023. “Today, we appeal to him that he listens to our ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik stated throughout a media interplay.
| Photo Credit: PTI
“Why are you not listening to our ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” the protesting wrestlers requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 26 and sought his time to talk about the sexual harassment allegations towards his social gathering’s MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The nation’s high wrestlers resumed their agitation towards the wrestling federation’s chief on Sunday, three months after they ended their sit-in protest following the formation of an oversight committee to probe into the intense allegations.
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The Sports Ministry has not but made public the findings of a six-member oversight panel that submitted its report on April 5.
The wrestlers on Wednesday stated they’re shocked that PM Modi felicitates them and clicks footage with them after they win medals however now he has turned a blind eye to their plight when they’re on highway, looking for justice.
“PM Modi sir talks about ‘Beti Bachao’ and ‘Beti Padhao’, and listens to everyone’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Can’t he listen to our ‘mann ki baat’? He invites us to his home when we win medals and gives us a lot of respect and calls us his daughters.
“Today, we appeal to him that he listens to our ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik said during a media interaction.
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Malik drew an analogy with Prime Minister’s popular radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ which is completing 100 editions and to mark the milestone, several programs are being organised by the government.
“I would like to ask Smriti Irani [Union Minister] why is she silent now. It’s been 4 days that we’re sleeping on highway, enduring mosquito bites. We aren’t being allowed [by Delhi Police] to put together meals and prepare, why are you silent? I simply need to say that you just come right here, listen to us and assist us,” added Malik.
Malik feels may be their point is not reaching the Prime Minister.
“Maybe our reality will not be reaching him, so we would like to meet him and let him know our points.”
An emotional World championship medallist Vinesh Phogat said, “We do not have the [telephone] numbers [of relevant people] by which we will attain out to him so we’re interesting to PM Modi by media to increase points. Maybe he can then listen to your cries. Our souls are virtually useless, possibly he’ll see.”
“He does his program ‘Mann ki Baat’ but has he, even for a minute given a thought to our ‘Mann ki Baat’, how much dilemma, does he think we face that daughters of the nation are sitting on the roads and are on the cusp of quitting wrestling by standing against a big criminal?”
Vinesh also said that they will take out a candle light march later in the evening.
Also Read | Delhi Police seeks report from probe committee investigating WFI chief for harassment fees
“Maybe the authorities cannot see, so we’ll take out a candlelight march to provide some gentle. Maybe they will see that daughters of India, who aren’t simply wrestlers however symbolize the emotions of many ladies, are out on the roads.
Tokyo Games bronze medallist Bajrang additionally appealed to the PM.
“These are daughters of India appealing to you, please do justice with them,” he stated.
“We had brought wrestling mats for practice but we were not allowed, even we can’t prepare our food here because there is no permission. Now, will we have to take permission even for breathing,” requested Bajrang.
He additionally added that efforts are being made by WFI chief’s males to scare them.
“A few people are trying to discourage us and scare us by narrating stories about how Brij Bhushan got an adversary killed. But let me tell you that we are not going to get scared.”
Vinesh additionally appealed to all athletes, throughout disciplines, to stand united with them.
“Can’t we put greed, fear and self-interest behind us? I appeal to all sportspersons of the nation, Olympic medallists, national medallists and world championship medallists to come together and stay united.
“If we come collectively, there isn’t any motive why we will not be primary nation in Olympics someday.”
