Congress Calls for BJP to Dismiss Brij Bhushan Amid Charges and Withdraw Son’s Ticket

In a significant development, the Congress party has called for immediate action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, following a Delhi court's decision to frame charges of sexual harassment and other offences against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. The party has also urged for the withdrawal of the Lok Sabha ticket extended to his son by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to X to express his concerns, highlighting the BJP's decision to nominate Singh's son, Karan Bhushan Singh, for the Kaiserganj seat currently held by Brij Bhushan. Ramesh accused the BJP of attempting to shield its actions by nominating Brij Bhushan's son, thereby indirectly supporting Brij Bhushan despite the serious allegations against him.

The court's directive comes after accusations surfaced against Singh, involving sexual harassment of five female wrestlers, including a minor. Ramesh pointed out Brij Bhushan's controversial stance on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and his alleged misuse of power within the WFI. Furthermore, Singh faces accusations in terror-linked TADA and murder cases.

Ramesh criticized the BJP for seemingly rewarding Brij Bhushan with a Lok Sabha ticket for his son, suggesting that this move reflects the party's tacit approval of Brij Bhushan's actions. He accused the BJP of failing to uphold its proclaimed commitment to 'nari shakti' (women's power), citing various instances where the party allegedly protected individuals accused of sexual violence.

The Congress leader called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly denounce Brij Bhushan and suspend him from the BJP until a verdict is reached. He emphasized that justice is owed to the women wrestlers who have come forward with allegations against Singh.

It is noteworthy that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had resigned from his position as WFI president amid protests by top Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat. These athletes had demanded his removal over the sexual harassment allegations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The court, led by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot, found sufficient evidence to proceed with charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against Singh. These include assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty, sexual harassment, and criminal intimidation.

This case has sparked widespread debate on the accountability of individuals in positions of power and the mechanisms in place to protect women from sexual harassment and assault. The BJP's decision regarding the Lok Sabha ticket for Karan Bhushan Singh and its implications for Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's political career remain a focal point of discussion.