Farmers and wrestler organizations are rallying together in a powerful display of solidarity to support wrestlers who have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The issue has sparked widespread outrage, leading to a 'khap mahapanchayat' in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and a series of protests in Punjab and Haryana.
During the 'khap mahapanchayat' in Soram village, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait announced plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold another mahapanchayat in Kurukshetra, Haryana, to discuss further actions in the ongoing agitation. In Delhi, Trinamool Congress MPs walked out of a parliamentary panel meeting after their request to discuss the safety of women athletes was denied. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee led a candlelight march in Kolkata, voicing support for the wrestlers and calling for accountability.
While the Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur, assures that the government is handling the issue sensitively and addressing the wrestlers' demands, the protests continue. Olympic and World Championships medal-winning wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat, are among those raising their voices against the WFI chief.
Under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, farmers participated in protests across Haryana and Punjab, submitting memorandums addressed to President Murmu, demanding swift action to protect the dignity of women athletes. Effigies were burnt, slogans were shouted, and memorandums were submitted in various districts to draw attention to the issue.
The farmers' memorandum emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging immediate action to restore the honor of India's daughters. Youth Congress activists and senior political leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the Congress party, joined the demonstrations, calling on the Haryana government to take up the matter with the central government.
The wrestlers' protest gained attention earlier when they threatened to throw their medals into the Ganga as a symbol of their discontent. However, they were convinced by khap and farmer leaders to give authorities five days to address their grievances.
The Delhi Police has filed two FIRs based on the wrestlers' complaints, with one registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act concerning allegations made by a minor wrestler.
As the protests intensify and the voices of wrestlers & farmers grow louder, the need for justice & systemic change within sports organizations becomes increasingly apparent. It is crucial for the authorities to address the grievances of the athletes promptly, ensuring a safe & supportive environment for all sports enthusiasts. The nation's reputation and the well-being of its athletes are at stake, and it is essential to restore trust and dignity in Indian sports.