New Delhi, August 3: The acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former president of the Wrestling Federation of India and ex-BJP MP, by the Rouse Avenue Court has sparked a wave of political responses. This decision pertains to a sexual harassment case filed by female wrestlers. The ruling party hailed it as a “victory for truth and justice,” while opposition leaders refrained from direct comments, instead highlighting the judicial process and the sentiments of the female athletes involved.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the central government following the verdict. She pointed out that while the government promotes youth empowerment and women’s reservation, the message sent by such cases is concerning. There appears to be a significant gap between the government’s claims and the reality.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responded cautiously to the court’s decision, stating he did not wish to comment on the judicial ruling. He emphasized that the judicial process should be allowed to unfold, and if an appeal is filed, the legal proceedings should be awaited.
Tharoor noted that if no appeal is made, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh would be considered honorably acquitted in the eyes of the law. He also remarked that justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done.
Mahua Maji, an MP from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, expressed her respect for the judiciary and refrained from criticizing the court’s decision. However, she acknowledged the disappointment felt by female athletes and a large segment of society regarding the ruling. She highlighted that the women wrestlers, who have brought pride to the nation internationally, had long protested and gone on hunger strikes to voice their concerns.
Maji mentioned that many questions linger in people’s minds regarding the investigation and the evidence collected, and there are fears among women that this verdict could adversely affect cases of harassment faced by young female athletes striving to advance in sports.
On the other hand, BJP MP Karan Bhushan Singh, son of Brij Bhushan, welcomed the court’s ruling, labeling it a victory for justice and truth. He expressed joy for his family and the Kaiserganj constituency, thanking those who supported them during difficult times. He noted that various political parties had demanded strict action against his father when allegations surfaced, and those individuals should now acknowledge that if injustice occurred, his father deserves respect.
In another statement, Karan Bhushan Singh claimed that this victory is not just for his family but for justice itself. He described it as a win for Sanatanis, Hindus, and wrestlers, urging those involved in the protests to respond to their stance. However, he did not shy away from commenting on the female wrestlers who made the allegations, criticizing the protesters as well.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also welcomed the court’s decision, stating that Brij Bhushan has always advocated for women’s respect, which is evident in his behavior. Sharma asserted that the Indian judiciary is impartial and its decisions should be respected.
Sanjay Singh Bablu, president of the Wrestling Federation of India, also reacted to the verdict, claiming that the allegations against Brij Bhushan were entirely baseless and politically motivated. He asserted that these accusations aimed to take control of the wrestling federation. Singh maintained that Brij Bhushan has consistently claimed his innocence, even stating he would hang himself if the allegations were proven true. The court’s decision has validated his claims.
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