As the sit-in staged by wrestlers at Jantar Mantar enters its fifth day, the protest has gathered steam with leaders of khap panchayats in Haryana and West UP expected to arrive at the protest venue to show their support.
This comes as the Supreme Court is set to hear the petition filed by seven wrestlers, including a minor, seeking registration of an FIR against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment, on Friday.
Two prominent khap leaders in Haryana - Om Prakash Kandela of Kandela Khap and Balwant Nambardar of Phogat Khap - have extended their support for the wrestlers. This came after one of the protesting wrestlers, Bajrang Punia, in a video message, sought their support in the fight against the WFI chief.
"For the sake of our daughters and their future, we will reach Delhi on Friday and join the wrestlers’ protest. The khaps have always supported sportspersons and we will sit with them until a first information report is registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan, Om Prakash Kandela was quoted by Hindustan Times.
Nambardar too announced that the khaps of Haryana will reach Delhi in large numbers and stay with the wrestlers.
"We have supported our children and we have faith in them. They brought laurels to the nation by winning medals at the international podium. The wrestlers were forced to sit on a dharna. Seeing the seriousness of the allegations, the WFI chief should tender his resignation and face the probe. We have high hopes from the Supreme Court," he added.
Besides the Kandela and Phogat khap, leaders of Dhankar Khap, Jakhar Khap, Ahlawat Khap, Kadian Khap, Birohar-12, Sehrawat Khap, Hooda Khap, Rohtak Khap 84, Nandal Khap, Malik Khap and Jhajjar 360 khap from Haryana have also extended their support to the wrestlers.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear the petition filed by the wrestlers on Friday. Earlier, the apex court had issued a notice to Delhi Police on their petitions. To this, the Delhi Police told the SC that some kind of preliminary probe was needed before it can proceed with the registration of an FIR over sexual harassment allegations.
Brij Bhushan Singh ready to fight
In a video message, the BJP MP, without making a mention of the allegations against him, indicated that he would not accept defeat till he has the strength to fight.
"Friends, the day I reflect on my life, what I gained or lost, the day I feel I don't have the strength to fight, the day I feel helpless, I won't like to live a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death embraces me," he said.
