The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called on the Prime Minister to take action against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who holds the office of the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The party has come out strongly in support of the demands of female wrestlers. On Thursday, AAP Chief Spokesperson Ms Priyanka Kakkar demanded the Prime Minister to listen to the demands of female wrestlers and to immediately sack Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from his positions. She also stated that the wrestlers have lost faith in the Prime Minister and that they will not roll back their protest until the BJP MP is arrested.
Ms Kakkar went on to say that the Prime Minister should stop shielding rapists and criminals, and that it is unacceptable for the BJP to provide patronage to such individuals. She also pointed out the hypocrisy of the BJP’s slogan of ‘Beti Padhao-Beti Bachao’, stating that on one hand, the Prime Minister speaks about promoting the girl child and on the other acts as a shield of protection for rapists and criminals. The demands of the female wrestlers include the removal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from his position as President of the WFI & his arrest.
On Friday, Ms Priyanka Kakkar, the Chief Spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party, held a press conference at the party headquarters to address the ongoing situation regarding female wrestlers who have been protesting for an FIR to be registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, President of Wrestling Federation of India, for alleged sexual harassment and corruption. Ms Kakkar referred to a viral video in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured wrestler Vinesh Phogat that she was a part of his family and that he could not see her disappointed. However, she expressed her disappointment that the daughters of the country, who have brought laurels to India from all over the world, have to sit on dharna for such a long time to get their voices heard.
Ms Kakkar highlighted that the current situation is a matter of great shame for the country, and that it indicates a crumbling law and order situation. It is unacceptable that even such accomplished individuals have to sit on the road for so many days just to get their complaints heard, she added, imagine if a common woman will ever be able to muster the courage to ever speak up.
The AAP Chief Spokesperson further criticised the hypocrisy of the Prime Minister, saying that, on one hand he gives the slogan of ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao’, and on the other, continues to shield rapists and criminals. She also questioned why all infamous rapists and criminals are often associated with the BJP.
Ms Kakkar specifically referred to how despite the allegations against him, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has not resigned from his post because of the PM’s patronage. She expressed her disappointment that the Prime Minister has failed to meet the expectations of various sections of the society, including women, students, farmers, and teachers. She cited the example of Kuldeep Sengar, a former BJP MLA who was convicted of rape, and how the victim’s family had to face immense difficulties before an FIR was registered. The victim had to attempt self immolation, her father died in the police station, only then was the FIR registered, she said.
The AAP Chief Spokesperson further noted that it is unfortunate that these champion daughters of India have to take to the streets to demand justice. She highlighted that the sportspersons protesting at Jantar Mantar have lost faith in the Prime Minister, and that they have vowed to continue their agitation until the accused is arrested.
Ms Kakkar called on the Prime Minister to listen to the voices of those who are suffering and to understand their plight. The Aam Aadmi Party has demanded that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a BJP MP, resign from his post. The party has also condemned the Prime Minister for shielding rapists and sexual abusers.
