Wrestlers' Protest: Government Trying to Protect Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Says Vinesh Phogat

Add as a preferred source on Google

Wrestlers' protest has been on a hold as the government sought time till June 15 to sort out the demands of the elite wrestlers, which includes the arrest of former WFI chief and incumbent BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

However, wrestlers are worried that the Centre will fall short on their promise as they are protecting their man, claimed Vinesh Phogat, one of the leading faces of the wrestlers' protest. The wrestlers had halted their stir after getting an assurance from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on June 7 that a chargesheet will be filed against Singh by June 15.

The wrestlers have been demanding Singh's arrest since they resumed their agitation against Singh on April 23 at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The government has accepted several of wrestlers' demands, including that none of Singh's family members or associates will be allowed to contest the impending WFI polls.

However, the wrestlers, led by Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and Phogat, have said they will not end their protest unless Singh is put behind bars.

Vinesh Phogat, the double world medallist, on Sunday joined the protesting farmers in Punjab and on her way spoke to the media at Khatkar Toll Plaza in Haryana. Asked about the meeting the wrestlers had with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Phogat said that Shah ensured all their demands will be met, except for Singh's arrest.

"They had given a few proposals that they can do that much for us but except the arrest of Brij Bhushan, everything is happening." On being asked why Singh is not being arrested, the firebrand wrestler shot back.

"You have to ask Amit Shah, why he (WFI chief) is not being arrested. He is such a powerful man that the government is trying to shield him. So getting him arrested is not easy but we are continuing our fight." A

lmost half-the-year has passed but the wresters' protest is continuing. Phogat said she can't tell when will their protest end.

"I can't tell you how long our protest will linger, the day he is arrested we will also end our protest. But if justice comes late, what's the point. Our fight may end one day but the seniors citizens of the country are still fighting. We are with them, so a few fights won't end on this earth. People are being martyred, people are in grief, unemployment is hitting the youth, the government must think about all these issues.

"It (Government) must listen, if so many people have come forward to raise their voice. The government should not ignore them."

When asked if she thinks, monarchy, instead of democracy is being followed in the country, "There is no doubt that," she replied.

Later when she reached Patiala and joined farmers' protest against Punjab State Power Corporation Limited ( PSPCL).

With inputs from PTI