The Union government did not promise any action and gave only assurance, said the wrestlers who have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and the federation, since yesterday at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The wrestlers were addressing the media after meeting Union sports ministry officials in Shastri Bhawan. “We are not happy with the response, and we request PM [Narendra Modi] sir to ensure justice,” said Rio Olympics medallist Sakshee Malikkh.
Yesterday, world championship medallist and Olympian Vinesh Phogat had accused WFI president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually exploiting women wrestlers for several years and sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for his removal.
“Today is the second day of protest and we haven’t got any satisfactory response from the government. We will make sure Brij Bhushan Singh resigns and is jailed. We will also file a case,” Phogat said, addressing the media.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia said that “5-6 women wrestlers have come forward with evidence” to prove the allegations made by the wrestlers against Singh and the federation.
Punia said that they would not end their protest until Singh resigns and action is taken against him. Singh has been at the helm since 2011. He was elected president of WFI for the third consecutive time in February 2019.
Earlier in the day, former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat had met the wrestlers with a “message” from the Union government, and had assured them that the issue will be resolved today. The meeting with the ministry officials happened post her visit and assurances.
The sports ministry has demanded a response from WFI to the allegations within 72 hours.
The ministry also said that if the WFI fails to provide a reply within the given time, they will initiate action in accordance with the provisions of the National Sports Development Code, 2011.
Singh has denied all allegations.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party has demanded Singh's resignation. “The President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh should also step down, pending enquiry because if he stays and continues in that position, there are chances that he could influence this enquiry,” said Clyde Crasto, NCP's national spokesperson, in a statement.
“If the government takes the matter lightly, it will appear that it is trying to protect the BJP MP,” Crasto said.
Earlier in the day, the Congress demanded that PM Modi break his silence over the allegations against Singh, and sought to know why resignations of those involved have not come in till now.
