Kambala Backlash: Brij Bhushan Singh Removed From Invites After Outcry

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After widespread criticism, the Bengaluru Kambala Samiti has removed the name of Brij Bhushan Singh, former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), from its list of invitees for the upcoming Kambala event in Bengaluru.

Singh is facing allegations of sexual harassment and is accused of misconduct by six female wrestlers, including Olympians such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.

The Kambala Samiti, organizing the buffalo race event for the first time in Bengaluru, initially included Singh in the guest list for the felicitation ceremony of wrestlers on November 26. However, following public backlash, the organizers decided to drop his name.

The committee expressed regret, explaining that some local wrestlers had invited Singh without the knowledge of the organizers. They claimed that the team responsible for printing the brochure failed to inform them of Singh's inclusion.

Singh, a six-time Member of Parliament from the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, had been invited based on a request from the Siddi community of wrestlers who wanted to be felicitated by him. However, the controversy prompted the organizers to change their decision, and Singh will now send his wishes to the wrestlers through a video message.

The backlash against Singh's invitation extended to social media, with Karnataka Congress spokesperson Bhavya Narasimhamurthy expressing opposition to glorifying a "sexual predator" and urging support for the female wrestlers. Bengaluru-based activist Brinda Adige criticized the decision as "shameful" and "insulting" to the wrestling community.

Singh had recently faced protests from Olympians and international wrestlers, leading to a sit-in demanding the disbanding of the WFI due to alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers by Singh. Two FIRs have been registered against him, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for offenses against a minor.

The Kambala event, an annual festival featuring traditional buffalo races, is set to be inaugurated on November 25 in Bengaluru's Palace Grounds. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa will inaugurate the morning event, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the evening event. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of six to seven lakh visitors.

Despite the controversy, the organizers aim to celebrate the traditional festival while distancing themselves from the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh.