Wrestlers protesting against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh detained; opposition slams govt

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh accusing him of sexual harassment, at Jantar Mantar here, were detained by Delhi Police on Sunday after they tried to march towards the new Parliament building, where a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ was planned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the day dedicated the new Parliament building to the nation. The protesting wrestlers were detained after they tried to breach the security cordon and march towards the new Parliament building. Since morning, heavy police were deployed in and around Jantar Mantar in view of the ‘Mahapanchayat’ called by the wrestlers.

The police have reportedly removed makeshift tents which were set up by them at Jantar Mantar. In a series of tweets, Sakshi said, “This is how our champions are being treated. The world is watching us!.” “After detaining all the wrestlers and elderly mothers, the police have now started dismantling our tents at Jantar Mantar. Our luggage is being picked up. What hooliganism is this?” she said.

Sakshi added, “Our movement is not over. We will start our Satyagraha after being released from police detention.”Several opposition parties including Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress have attacked the ruling dispensation after the wrestlers were detained.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet wrote, “Such behaviour with our sportspersons who increase the honour of the country is very wrong and condemnable.”Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, “The right to inaugurate the new Parliament was taken away from the President. Women players were beaten with force on the streets.”

“Three lies of BJP-RSS rulers are now exposed in front of the country– Democracy, Nationalism and Beti Bachao ( Save daughter),” Kharge said.He added, “Remember Modi ji, democracy is not just about buildings, it runs by the voice of the people.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a veiled attack on the PM, in a tweet wrote, “The coronation is over. The ‘arrogant king’ is crushing the voice of the public on the streets”. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a tweet wrote, “The arrogance of the BJP government has increased so much that it is mercilessly trampling the voices of our women players.’ “This is totally wrong. The whole country is watching the arrogance of the government and this injustice,” Vadra added.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee in a tweet wrote, “Strongly condemn the way Delhi Police manhandled Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers. It’s shameful our champions are treated in this manner.””Democracy lies in tolerance but autocratic forces thrive on intolerance and quelling dissent. I demand they be immediately released by the police. I stand by our wrestlers,” said Banerjee.