In a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Wrestling Federation Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, India’s ace wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, who have been leading protests against Singh, met with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence today. The meeting came hours after Thakur extended a late-night invitation to the wrestlers via Twitter.
This marks the second meeting between the wrestlers and the government within a span of five days. Previously, the wrestlers had met with Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday to discuss their demands for action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers.
“The government is willing to have a discussion with the wrestlers on their issues. I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same,” tweeted Thakur at 12:47 am last night, following an interview with Bajrang Punia on NDTV.
During the interview, Punia denied any secret deal with the government and revealed that the wrestlers were asked to keep their meeting with Amit Shah confidential. Subsequently, Punia received a phone call from the Home Minister, who invited the wrestlers for another round of talks. Punia made it clear to Shah that the wrestlers did not desire any secretive meetings.
Following Amit Shah’s conversation with Punia, Thakur posted another invitation for talks, leading to the meeting at his residence today.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Tuesday, Bajrang Punia expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s response, stating that the protest movement would continue. He mentioned ongoing strategizing efforts on how to proceed further.
During the Saturday meeting with Amit Shah, the Home Minister informed Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Sangita Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian that an investigation into the matter was underway. The athletes, however, remain unsatisfied with the government’s response and are adamant about their demands for an impartial investigation and swift action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Delhi Police have conducted interviews with several individuals related to the sexual harassment case against Singh. Sources indicate that three to four members of the federation have been questioned, while some staff members at Singh’s Delhi residence have also been called in for questioning by the police.
Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait clarified on Tuesday that the farmers’ union has not withdrawn its support for the wrestlers. Tikait added that the planned demonstration against Singh on June 9 has been postponed at the wrestlers’ request.
“We have been aware of the recent meeting (with Amit Shah) and have maintained close contact with the wrestlers. We have been requested to refrain from major protests or demonstrations,” stated Tikait.
Previously, at a ‘Mahapanchayat’ in Kurukshetra, Tikait had announced his intention to stage a protest in Delhi, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He also threatened to escalate the agitation and bring the protesting wrestlers back to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar if the government failed to take action against the wrestling body chief.
The meeting between the top wrestlers and the Sports Minister holds great significance, as it showcases the government’s willingness to engage in discussions and address the concerns raised by the athletes. The wrestlers remain resolute in their demand for justice and are eager to ensure a fair investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment.
