Khaps to Hold ‘Mahapanchayat’ Today to Discuss Wrestler’s Protest

Protests by wrestlers against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh persist, with several athletes refusing to heed the government's plea to trust the ongoing police investigation. In response to the wrestlers' outcry, farmers are organizing a 'mahapanchayat' today to address the issue at hand.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has announced that a grand meeting of all khaps will take place in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, to discuss the ongoing protests by wrestlers who have accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Representatives from various khaps and their leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi are expected to participate in the mahapanchayat.

BKU leader Naresh Tikait, who played a significant role in persuading some of India's esteemed wrestlers against immersing their medals in the Ganga River on Tuesday, expressed his support for the wrestlers' cause. The athletes, including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, had threatened to take this step due to the lack of action against the WFI chief. However, they refrained from doing so after being convinced by farmer leaders and setting a five-day deadline for the police to act.

The wrestlers have been engaged in protests since January, demanding accountability from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven athletes, including a minor. Denying any wrongdoing, Singh, who is also a BJP MP, declared that he would take his own life if the allegations against him were proven, challenging the wrestlers to present evidence in court.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur commented on the issue, accusing the protesting wrestlers of "changing goalposts" and emphasizing that their actions should not harm the sport or other athletes. Thakur noted that athletes themselves had initially stated that the platform should not be used for political purposes, highlighting visits by opposition leaders to the wrestlers' protest site at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Also Read: Wrestlers Threaten to Immerse Medals in Ganga, Drawing Parallels to Muhammad Ali’s Protest Against Racism

On an international level, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body of the sport, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in investigations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The UWW reminded the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of its promise to hold fresh elections for the WFI within 45 days and cautioned that failure to do so may result in the suspension of the federation.

As the wrestlers continue their protests and the farmer-led mahapanchayat convenes, the situation remains tense, with the athletes demanding justice and accountability from the wrestling authorities. The outcome of the police investigation and subsequent actions taken by the government and sporting bodies will be closely watched, as the resolution of this controversy will have a significant impact on the wrestling fraternity and the reputation of Indian sports.

Source- NDTV

Also Read: Delhi Police Files FIR Against Protesting Wrestlers, Detains Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, & Bajrang Punia