In a politically charged rally held in Uttar Pradesh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP parliamentarian, aimed to highlight his influence on the upcoming general election while simultaneously praising the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. Singh’s rally comes amidst allegations of sexual harassment made by top wrestlers against him, which have yet to be addressed by the Modi government.
The rally, organized by Singh in his Kaisarganj constituency, showcased his unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he donned a shawl adorned with an image of Modi. However, political analysts and close associates of Singh suggest that the event was also meant to send a message to the top brass of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Singh’s rally, which included a 50-jeep, 35km roadshow, attracted supporters from constituencies including Gonda, Balrampur, Faizabad, and Shravasti. According to a close associate of the MP, the main objective of the event was to convey to Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that Singh has the ability to harm the BJP’s electoral prospects in these constituencies. This claim is backed by Singh’s popularity and the significant support he received during the public meeting that followed the roadshow.
The Modi government has thus far refrained from taking action against Singh, despite the wrestlers’ demand for his arrest. It is believed that the government’s inaction is driven by the perception that Singh can secure a number of seats for the BJP in the upcoming general election. Singh’s rally aimed to emphasize his political clout and underline his indispensability to the party.
However, Singh’s future remains uncertain as his fate hangs in the balance until June 15. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has assured the wrestlers that the Delhi police, who report to the Union Home Ministry, will complete their investigation into the allegations by that date and file a chargesheet.
Aware of speculation that Modi and Shah may request his resignation as an MP or even order his arrest, Singh has defied party rules by publicly declaring at the rally that he intends to contest from Kaisarganj in 2024. This move showcases Singh’s determination to maintain his political position, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding him.
During the rally, Singh made multiple stops to be greeted by a few dozen of his supporters. The subsequent public meeting at Balpur, ostensibly held to commemorate the Modi government’s nine years in power, attracted approximately 10,000 attendees. Singh, a six-time MP, began his speech with a Hindi couplet about enduring affection amidst betrayal, which he declined to explain further to reporters.
While the wrestling scandal continues to unfold, Vinesh Phogat, a double world medallist, joined protesting farmers in Punjab and spoke to the media, expressing disappointment over the government’s failure to arrest Singh. Phogat emphasized the need for accountability and highlighted Singh’s alleged influence and the government’s attempts to shield him from legal action.
As the political landscape heats up in Uttar Pradesh and the wrestling scandal continues to capture national attention, the future of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh within the BJP remains uncertain. The upcoming days will determine the outcome of the ongoing investigation and shed light on the party’s stance regarding Singh’s political future.
