Mumbai: In a scathing assault on the Narendra Modi-led NDA authorities on the Centre, ‘Saamana’, the official mouthpiece of the Uddhav Thackeray-led UBT faction of Shiv Sena, ridiculed the ruling dispensation following the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the Union Sports activities Ministry.
Saamana Editorial Highlights Wrestlers’ Protest
The strongly worded Saamana editorial revisited the fervent protests by wrestlers, notably towards former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP chief accused of sexual harassment. The uproar reached some extent the place Delhi Police initiated FIRs, compelling Singh to step away from the every day operations of the highest wrestling physique. The next WFI elections confronted renewed dissent from star grapplers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, resulting in accusations of the Centre breaking guarantees.
कुस्ती महासंघ अखेर चीतपट, साक्षी आणि बजरंगच्या दणक्याने मोदी सरकारला जागhttps://t.co/dWtNnXt1bU
— Saamana (@SaamanaOnline) December 25, 2023
Centre’s U-Flip: Saamana Applauds ‘Belated Knowledge’
In response to the athlete’s discontent, the Union Sports activities Ministry introduced the suspension of the WFI, together with key office-bearers like newly elected president Sanjay Singh. Saamana, whereas taking a swipe on the Centre, applauded the “belated knowledge” displayed within the face of mounting protests.
Delayed Acknowledgement Of Wrestler Battle: Saamana
The editorial emphasised the persistent efforts of Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and different athletes of their combat towards the misrule of Brij Bhushan. It criticized the federal government’s preliminary reluctance to handle the problem, alleging a deaf ear to cries for justice. The piece acknowledged the suspension as a victory however confused that the wrestlers should proceed their wrestle for justice.
Wrestlers’ Triumph: Saamana Seeks Continued Battle
Whereas recognizing the aid introduced by the WFI suspension, Saamana urged wrestlers and their supporters to not halt their combat for justice. It famous a constructive shift with Brij Bhushan’s diminished affect however cautioned that the suspension marked solely the preliminary triumph in a protracted battle.
IOA Intervention: Union Sports activities Ministry Directs Advert-Hoc Committee
In a subsequent transfer, the Union Sports activities Ministry instructed the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) to determine an ad-hoc committee to supervise WFI affairs. This choice adopted the announcement by newly elected WFI president Sanjay Singh concerning the internet hosting of U-15 and U-20 nationals in Uttar Pradesh.
Sakshi Malik Retires, Bajrang Punia Returns Padma Shri
The aftermath of the WFI suspension noticed Olympian Sakshi Malik retiring, alleging a betrayal of guarantees by the Centre. Bajrang Punia, expressing reservations about Sanjay Singh’s election, returned his Padma Shri in protest. Each athletes had beforehand led protests towards Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment.
