NEW DELHI: In a significant turn of events, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a six-time BJP MP, finds himself at the center of a storm of controversies as the upcoming WFI elections approach. Accused of attempting to control the federation through proxies, the BJP MP's panel has put forth 18 nominations for various key positions within the national sports body. Despite facing sexual harassment allegations from prominent female wrestlers, Singh's group claims the support of 22 out of 25 state associations.
The nomination filing deadline for the WFI elections is rapidly approaching, with Monday serving as the last date for submission. Despite pledging that no member of his family would run in the elections, Singh's panel has fielded candidates for multiple vital positions, including President, Vice President, Executive Members, Joint Secretary, Secretary General, and Treasurer.
The controversy surrounding Singh has further intensified due to the serious sexual harassment accusations leveled against him by several top women wrestlers. Esteemed athletes like Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, along with Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat, have come forward with allegations against the BJP MP. In protest, these wrestlers have gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to raise their voices against the alleged misconduct.
Adding to the complications, Singh's eligibility to contest the elections has come into question. As per the National Sports Code, he is ineligible to run as he has already completed the maximum allowable 12-year tenure as the head of the federation.
In response to the sexual harassment allegations, Mr. Singh was recently granted regular bail by a Delhi court on July 20. However, the day-to-day affairs of the WFI are currently being overseen by the Indian Olympic Association-constituted ad-hoc committee, which is headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the scrutiny of all the nominations will take place on August 2, following which the final list of candidates will be published on August 7. If the election process is deemed necessary, voting will be conducted on August 12.
As the WFI elections draw nearer, the wrestling body finds itself embroiled in controversy, with serious allegations, proxy nominations, and the specter of sexual harassment accusations casting a shadow over the proceedings. The outcome of these elections will have far-reaching implications for the future of wrestling in India.
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