Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra showed her support for the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. She accused the government of protecting WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations from female wrestlers. Gandhi also called for Singh’s removal from the post to prevent him from exerting pressure on wrestlers and damaging their careers.
Gandhi arrived at Jantar Mantar in the morning and interacted with the wrestlers. Later in the day, she was scheduled to take part in a series of poll campaign events in Karnataka.
The wrestling community has been in turmoil since allegations of sexual harassment against Singh surfaced in April. Female wrestlers have accused him of inappropriate behaviour and misuse of power. Singh has denied the allegations and refused to step down from his position.
The wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for the past few days, demanding Singh’s removal from the post. They have also alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is not doing enough to protect their interests and provide them with opportunities to compete internationally.
Gandhi’s visit to Jantar Mantar is seen as a significant move by the Congress party to support the wrestlers’ cause. The party has been critical of the government’s handling of the issue and has demanded an independent inquiry into the allegations.
In a statement, Gandhi said that the government should not protect Singh and that he should be held accountable for his actions. She also called for the establishment of a committee to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against those found guilty.
Gandhi’s support for the wrestlers has been welcomed by many in the wrestling community. They hope that her intervention will lead to a resolution of the issue and help to improve the conditions for wrestlers in the country.
The issue of sexual harassment in sports has been a major concern in India, with several high-profile cases coming to light in recent years. The government has been criticized for not doing enough to address the problem and provide a safe environment for athletes.
The wrestling community’s protests at Jantar Mantar highlight the need for greater awareness and action on the issue of sexual harassment in sports. Gandhi’s visit and support for the wrestlers could be a step towards bringing about positive change in the way athletes are treated and protected in India.
