Ready To Face Probe, Have Full Faith In Judiciary: Wrestling Body Chief Says Protests Politicised
Addressing the media, WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said he was innocent and ready to face a probe amid protests by wrestlers over sexual harassment allegations against him
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday addressed the media on the ongoing protests against him by the Wrestlers at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Talking to the press a day after Delhi police registered two FIRs against him on sexual harassment complaints of female wrestlers, Singh said that he was innocent and ready to face a probe in the matter. He added that he has full faith in the Supreme Court and would respect the top court's order.
"I am innocent and ready to face the investigation. I am ready to cooperate with the investigative agency. I have full faith in the judiciary and I respect the order of the SC," Singh said.
90% Haryana Wrestlers With Me: WFI Chief Slams Protesting Wrestlers
Attacking wrestlers for protesting against him, the WFI chief said, "Every day they (wrestlers) are coming with their new demands. They demanded FIR, FIR was registered and now they are saying that I should be sent to jail and resign from all posts. I am MP because of the people of my constituency and not because of Vinesh Phogat. Only one family and Akhara (are protesting) & 90 per cent of players of Haryana are with me."
"They (wrestlers) did not complain to any police station, sports ministry or federation for 12 years. Before their protest, they used to praise me, invite me to their weddings and take photographs with me, seek my blessings. Now the matter is with the Supreme Court and Delhi Police and I will accept their decision," Singh added.
#WATCH | They (wrestlers) did not complain to any police station, sports ministry or federation for 12 years. Before their protest, they used to praise me, invite me to their weddings and take photographs with me, seek my blessings. Now the matter is with the Supreme Court and… pic.twitter.com/8OaqPO6j0e
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023
Denouncing the protest, Singh alleged that it was not 'wrestlers' agitation'. He claimed, "I have been saying from the beginning that some industrialists and Congress are behind this protest."
#WATCH | I have been saying from the beginning that some industrialists and Congress are behind this protest. This is not a protest by wrestlers: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh pic.twitter.com/LID21jnwqL
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023
Brij Bhushan Singh On Resigning As WFI Chief
Talking about his resignation from the top wrestling body post, he said, "Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers') allegations. My tenure is almost over. Govt has formed a 3-member committee and elections will be held in 45 days and my term will end after the elections."
#WATCH | Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers') allegations. My tenure is almost over. Govt has formed a 3-member committee and elections will be held in 45 days & my term will end after the… pic.twitter.com/0NL38KCz43
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023
Meanwhile, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers reached Connaught Place police station in New Delhi on Saturday.
The tussle between the two parties is intensifying with each passing day. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the wrestlers protesting against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar on Saturday and questioned the government.
She said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is worried about these wrestlers, then why has he not talked to them or met them yet. "I don't have any expectations from the PM, because if he is worried about these wrestlers, then why has he not talked to them or met them yet? Why the govt is trying to save him (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh...,"
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