Congress Slams BJP Over Wrestlers Protest, Says Country Will Give Befitting Reply

The Congress party criticized the BJP government for its handling of the wrestlers protest against sexual harassment allegations. The party said that the country will give a befitting reply to the tears of the wrestlers who sought justice.

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's handling of the recent protest by female wrestlers, who alleged harassment by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The party's response came after wrestler Sakshi Malik, with tears in her eyes, announced her retirement from wrestling, expressing her disappointment in the lack of justice for her fellow wrestlers.

Tears of Wrestlers a Gift from Modi Government, Says Congress

The Congress party expressed its solidarity with the wrestlers and condemned the BJP government's failure to address their concerns. In a post on social media, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal stated that India will give a befitting reply to the tears of the wrestlers. He criticized the Modi government for its inaction and accused it of shielding the accused MP. The party also highlighted the plight of Sakshi Malik, who despite her achievements and efforts to seek justice, was left feeling helpless and forced to retire.

Every Tear Will Be Accounted For, Says Congress Leader

Congress leader Deepender Hooda expressed his support for the wrestlers and asserted that every drop of tear shed by them will be accounted for. He emphasized the importance of addressing the issue and ensuring justice for the athletes who have brought pride to the nation.

Sanjay Singh Elected as WFI President Amid Protests

Despite the ongoing protests and allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, his loyalist Sanjay Singh was elected as the new WFI president. Sanjay Singh, the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association vice-president, secured a comfortable victory, winning 13 out of the 15 posts in the much-delayed polls. This outcome sparked outrage among the protesting wrestlers and prompted Sakshi Malik to announce her retirement.

Trio of Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik Led Agitation

Earlier in January, star wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik had launched an agitation against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding a change of leadership in the WFI. However, despite their efforts, a close associate of the BJP MP has now taken over the helm of the federation.

The Congress party's criticism of the BJP government's handling of the wrestlers' protest highlights the growing concerns over the safety and well-being of athletes in India. The retirement of Sakshi Malik, a renowned wrestler who has brought glory to the nation, serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to address the allegations of harassment and ensure justice for the athletes.