Wrestlers' protest: Priyanka Gandhi questions PM Modi over government's inaction
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned PM Narendra Modi on Friday on the Centre's inaction against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers. Taking to Twitter, Vadra shared a news article documenting the details mentioned in the FIRs against Singh and questioned Modi as to why no action has been taken.
Why does this story matter?
Top Indian wrestlers have been demanding Singh's removal from the WFI's top post and a probe against him since January. After three months of inaction, they escalated their agitation and camped at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, but were removed on Sunday after clashing with the Delhi Police. Seven female wrestlers—including a minor—filed a police complaint on April 21 against Singh, alleging sexual harassment and intimidation.
Here's Vadra's post
Why is Singh being protected by government, BJP? asks Chaturvedi
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also questioned why Singh is being protected by the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while citing the same report. "Nation's Prime Minister continues to protect this man. Nation's Woman and Child Welfare Minister stays silent for this man," she said. "Why is this man being protected by the government and BJP? Any answers?" asked Chaturvedi.
Chaturvedi's Twitter post
Details on reported allegations against WFI chief
According to The Indian Express, the details in the FIRs mentioned at least "two instances of demanding "sexual favors" in lieu of professional assistance; at least 15 incidents of sexual harassment, including 10 episodes of inappropriate touching. Molestation, including running hands over breasts and touching the navel; intimidation and stalking were also among the key allegations.
'Will meet president to resolve issue': Tikait assured wrestlers
On Thursday, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait revealed that a khap representative would be meeting the central government and President Droupadi Murmu to try to resolve the issue of agitating wrestlers. Speaking at a mahapanchayat in Uttar Pradesh's Muzzafarnagar, Tikait stated the khap and agitating grapplers wouldn't be beaten. To note, khaps of Haryana have been backing the wrestlers' protest.
