Athletes who have brought laurels and glory to our nation worldwide are protesting against injustice in this cruel summer heat in the heart of New Delhi. Their protest has ignited a conversation about power dynamics, societal hierarchies, and the pursuit of justice.
Award-winning wrestlers Sakshi Malik (the first female wrestler to win an Olympic medal for India), Vinesh Phogat (Commonwealth Games Women’s Gold), and Bajrang Punia (Bronze at the Tokyo Olympics) have taken to the streets to protest against BJP Parliamentarian Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. These wrestlers, along with their supporters, have accused the veteran politician of sexual harassment (POCSO) and outraging the modesty of a woman under the Indian Penal Code. The allegations against him also include financial mismanagement, arbitrariness, and criminal intimidation. The female wrestler complainants accuse Bhushan of groping, touching breasts and navels without consent, stalking, and demanding “sexual favors” in exchange for professional help. They made these allegations public in January 2023 and organized a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar to demand the arrest and initiation of criminal proceedings against Brij Bhushan. Renowned athletes see this behavior of men in power as a disregard for their rights.
Brij Bhushan Singh is a six-time Parliamentarian from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has a stronghold in constituencies like Gonda and Kaiserganj. He was one of the accused named in the Babri Demolition Case. Additionally, Singh has been the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) since 2011, and it is in this position that he has allegedly abused his power. Singh had previously made headlines for slapping a wrestler on stage.
Following the allegations, the sports ministry promised to institute a five-member Oversight Committee to investigate the matter. The Committee, headed by Mary Kom, submitted its report on April 5, but the government did not make it public. Angered by the government’s protection of the parliamentarian, the wrestlers decided to appeal to the public to make their voices heard.
Instead of resorting to violence or aggressive rhetoric, the wrestlers chose an alternative approach to voice their grievances. They engaged in a series of synchronized wrestling performances at prominent public spaces, attracting attention through their powerful movements and displays of solidarity. The wrestlers’ protest exemplified the power of nonviolent resistance, showcasing its potential to bring about social change. Through their disciplined performances, the wrestlers disrupted the status quo without resorting to aggression. This strategic approach compelled authorities and the public to take notice, prompting a reevaluation of the wrestlers’ rights and demands.
However, the road to justice has been filled with obstacles. The wrestlers accused the Delhi Police of manhandling, abuse, and a failure to register an FIR against the politician. The Supreme Court intervened on May 18, and only then was a case filed at the Connaught Place Police Station. On May 28, the new Parliament building was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The wrestlers decided to peacefully march for their cause, but they were stopped by the police and detained. Visuals of the wrestlers being pushed, dragged, and carried to police vehicles a few miles from the new Parliament went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. A morphed image of the wrestlers smiling in the police van also went viral but was later discredited. The police also booked them for rioting, cleared their tents and belongings from the protest site, and denied them permission to continue the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar.
The protest has garnered support from various athletes (notably Neeraj Chopra and Sania Mirza), politicians (Arvind Kejriwal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mamata Banerjee), panchayats, civil society organizations, and the general public. Supporters have also rallied behind the cause on social media, slamming the silence of the central government, especially the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
One noticeable difference between recent social movements like the wrestlers’ protest and those for the Right to Information Act (2005) and against the Nirbhaya Rape Case (2012) is the considerable diminishing of public support and presence at the protest site.
While the day-to-day administration of WFI has been taken out of the hands of Brij Bhushan Singh, he still remains the president in name. The elections of WFI scheduled on May 7 are now postponed, but Brij Bhushan’s son, Karan Bhushan Singh, was one of the frontrunners in the elections (so much for the dynastic politics the ruling party accuses the opposition of).
The protesters are saddened by the inefficiency of the administration. They have vowed to throw their hard-earned medals in the Ganga and undertake a fast unto death at India Gate if their demands are not met. They also refuse to participate in upcoming games if Brij Bhushan is not arrested. The influential politician, on the other hand, claims he is innocent. In a public rally, he said he is “ready to be hanged” if found guilty. On another occasion, he has said that he is ready to resign as President of the WFI, but he will not resign as a criminal.
Recently, the Delhi Police visited WFI chief Brij Bhushan’s UP home and recorded statements of associates and employees. Wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat have debunked rumors that they were withdrawing from the protest and stated that they will continue their fight for justice and a more equitable society.
Written by: Kashvi
Edited by: Yashvi Vasani