‘Daughters Have Lost’: Wrestler Sakshi Malik Reacts To Brij Bhushan’s Son's Candidature

The decision to name Karan Bhushan Singh as the candidate from the Kaiserganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh, replacing his father and six-time MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has drawn sharp criticism from wrestlers who hit the streets against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief last year over the alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The selection of Karan (33), Brij Bhushan's younger son, as the candidate for the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association president this February, has been met with disapproval.

Wrestler Sakshi Malik Reacts To Brij Bhushan's Son's Candidature

Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik expressed her dissatisfaction with the decision, stating, "India's daughters have lost, Brij Bhushan has won." She highlighted the efforts made by wrestlers to seek justice and criticized the government's response. Malik's mother, Sudesh, expressed disappointment, stating, "We are deeply hurt and disappointed. The wrestlers are yet to get any justice and Karan's elevation shows that no one really cares for us," as reported by NDTV.

In June 2023, a 1000-page chargesheet was filed against Brij Bhushan by Delhi Police, invoking sections 354, 354D, 345A of the Indian Penal Code for stalking and sexual harassment. The case is currently being heard in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court. Last month, the court dismissed his plea seeking further investigation in the case.

Jitender Kumar, a former 74kg freestyle wrestler and one of the protestors, described Karan's candidature as a "stab in the back", expressing frustration with the government's handling of the situation. Bajrang Punia, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and prominent figure in the wrestlers' protest, criticized the move, calling it the "country's misfortune" and questioning the BJP's decision-making process, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The selection of Karan Bhushan Singh as a candidate has been seen by the wrestling community as a disappointing outcome, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding justice and accountability in the context of alleged sexual harassment.