New Delhi: Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has become the epicentre of a persistent protest, with wrestlers displaying unwavering determination on the 35th day of their demonstration on Saturday (May 27). The relentless rainfall and storms in the capital city did little to dampen their spirits as they remained steadfast in their cause. Even the weather forecast, predicting continued inclement weather, failed to deter the resolute wrestlers.
Amidst the sea of demonstrators, an anonymous victim of sexual harassment stepped forward to voice her support for the wrestlers. She shared her personal experience, alleging that Sandeep Singh, the former minister of state for sports and youth affairs in Haryana, had harassed her.
The wrestlers’ protest site at Jantar Mantar. Photo: Chandraprakash Pathak
The protesters have been garnering support from individuals and organisations across the nation, representing diverse backgrounds and fields. Notable figures among them include Arun Kumar and Harchand Singh from the All India Peace and Solidarity Organization in Punjab, Jaspal Singh, the General Secretary of the Indian Association of Lawyers in Punjab, Anode Kumar Rawat from the Rastriya Kalyan Manch, Ranjit Singh from the Kisan Major Sangarsh Samiti in Punjab, Ravindra Kumar from the Shramik Prakost Janta Dal United in Uttar Pradesh, Benny Thomas, an advocate from the All India Lawyers Union in Kerala, Dr. Bachitar Singh from the Kisan Majdoor Sangarsh Committee in Punjab, and Poonam Kaushik, the General Secretary of Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan.
Even businessman and yoga guru Ramdev has called for BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s arrest, despite his closeness to the ruling party. “It is a very shameful thing that the country’s wrestlers are sitting at Jantar Mantar and accusing the president of the wrestling federation of sexual misconduct. Such a person should be immediately arrested and sent behind bars. Every day, he spews nonsense every day about mothers, sisters and daughters. This is an extremely condemnable evil act, a sin,” Ramdev said.
The wrestlers’ protest site at Jantar Mantar. Photo: Chandraprakash Pathak
The presence of supporters from different parts of the country and varied fields reflects the widespread solidarity with the wrestlers’ cause. On Sunday, a ‘mahila panchayat’ has been organised outside the new parliament building that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating.
The ongoing protests have not only gained attention and support but have also sparked discussions regarding the treatment of athletes and the need for more robust mechanisms to safeguard their rights and well-being. As the demonstration continues at Jantar Mantar, the wrestlers and their supporters remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and change.
The wrestlers have said they will continue their protest until Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers including one minor, is arrested.