West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced her support for wrestlers protesting against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. Banerjee called for action to be taken against the accused and expressed her solidarity with the protesters.
The wrestlers, who resumed their agitation on April 23, have demanded that an FIR (First Information Report) be filed against Singh, who is also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. They claim to have experienced sexual harassment and intimidation from Singh, prompting them to come forward with their accusations.
In a tweet, Banerjee stated, “We must all stand with the wrestlers who are protesting. They are speaking in one voice. Our sportspersons are the pride of our nation. They are champions. The guilty must be brought to book, irrespective of their political affiliation. Justice must prevail. Truth must win.”
Banerjee’s support comes as a delegation of Trinamul Congress (TMC) MPs, led by Lok Sabha member Dola Sen, plans to visit the protesting wrestlers. The TMC is the ruling party in West Bengal, and its support for the wrestlers has been welcomed by many.
The WFI has yet to comment on the allegations made against its president. Meanwhile, the protesting wrestlers continue to demand that an FIR be filed against Singh and have stated that they will not end their agitation until justice is served.
This is not the first time that allegations of sexual harassment have surfaced in the world of Indian sports. In 2018, several female athletes came forward with their stories of abuse, leading to the #MeToo movement in Indian sports. While some progress has been made since then, such as the establishment of a Sexual Harassment Committee by the Indian Olympic Association, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of athletes in India. The support of political leaders like Banerjee is a step in the right direction.