Mamata Banerjee Joins Wrestlers' Protest Against WFI Chief
Mamata Banerjee says ‘We Are Proud Of Our Champions’ In a show of solidarity with the agitating wrestlers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday took to the streets in Kolkata and marched with them in support of their demand for the removal of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Banerjee, who is also the president of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), said that she was appalled by the way the wrestlers were treated by the Delhi Police on Sunday when they tried to stage a women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’ outside the new Parliament building on the day of its inauguration.
She said that the wrestlers were not only national heroes but also role models for the youth and they deserved respect and justice. “We are proud of our wrestlers who have brought laurels to the country in various international events. They have been fighting for their rights and dignity for over a month now and we stand by them,” Banerjee said.
She also slammed the central government and the WFI for ignoring the grievances of the wrestlers and accused them of trying to suppress their voice. “The central government and the WFI have failed to address the serious allegations of sexual harassment against the WFI chief. Instead of taking action against him, they have unleashed violence on the wrestlers who were peacefully protesting. This is unacceptable and shameful,” she said. Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter and ensure a fair and impartial probe into the charges against Singh. She also demanded that Singh should step down from his post till the investigation is completed and that fresh elections should be held for the WFI.
The wrestlers, who include Olympic and world championships medallists like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, have alleged that Singh sexually harassed several women grapplers, including a minor, and misused his power and position. They have been demanding his arrest and removal from the WFI since April 23.
They have also filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and approached the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for help. However, Singh has denied all the allegations and claimed that he was being framed by some disgruntled elements within the wrestling fraternity. He has also filed a defamation case against some of the wrestlers and challenged them to prove their charges in court.
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