BJP Lawmakers Demand Urgent Action on Complaints of Sexual Misconduct by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Amidst allegations of sexual misconduct against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from Uttar Pradesh, certain signs of discomfort have emerged within the party. Several BJP leaders are now calling for swifter action to address the complaints lodged by women wrestlers against Singh. These voices within the party are urging a prompt resolution to the allegations made against the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Kaiserganj.
In response to the mounting pressure, a public function in Ayodhya, where Singh was scheduled to speak on June 5, was canceled. Additionally, Singh has been advised against making any statements regarding the accusations leveled against him.
While senior party members have emphasized that the allegations are being investigated in accordance with the law, at least three BJP lawmakers have expressed support for the women wrestlers who came forward with detailed accounts of alleged harassment by Singh during his tenure as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. The statements made by these lawmakers were documented in two First Information Reports (FIRs) and were made public on Friday.
Pressure Mounts within BJP: Calls for Swift Resolution of Sexual Misconduct Complaints against Lawmaker
Pritam Munde, a BJP lawmaker representing Beed in Maharashtra, voiced her stance that the complaints of the wrestlers should be swiftly addressed. Munde stated to the press, “Whenever a woman lodges such a serious complaint, it should be considered seriously. The authorities should investigate the matter… any action should be taken only after an investigation, but… the complaints cannot be ignored…”
She further added, “Even though I am part of this government, it must be acknowledged that the government has not communicated with the wrestlers in the manner it should have.”
Pankaja Munde, BJP’s national secretary and sister of Pritam Munde, made a cryptic statement, saying, “The BJP is a large party. I belong to the BJP. But the party does not belong to me… If I have a problem in my father’s home, I will go to my brother’s house.” Senior leaders in Delhi refrained from commenting on the statements made by the Munde sisters.
Earlier, Brijendra Singh, a BJP MP from Haryana, expressed his support for the wrestlers who threatened to immerse their Olympic medals in Haridwar. Singh, representing Hisar in Haryana, tweeted, “I feel the pain and helplessness of our wrestlers, which has driven them to the brink of discarding their lifetime of hard work…”
Maneka Gandhi, a senior BJP leader and MP from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, also appeared to show support for the wrestlers. When asked by the media during a public function in Srinagar, she responded, “I am sure they will receive justice in the end.” Despite Singh’s denial of the allegations, a senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that the party did not initially anticipate the impact the wrestlers’ protest would have.
“The explanation that the charges against him are motivated or that it is caste politics perpetuated by Congress leaders… has not helped the party’s cause,” stated the senior leader.
This leader further emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and highlighted the international attention the controversy is garnering. The current situation does not align with the image of the BJP, which has garnered significant support from women voters and has championed important initiatives for women’s empowerment such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child).
BJP Faces Internal Strain: Growing Demands for Accountability in Sexual Misconduct Case
Allegations of sexual misconduct against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from Uttar Pradesh, have triggered unease within the party. The demand for swift action on the complaints made by women wrestlers against Singh is growing stronger, as some BJP leaders express discomfort over the situation.
In response to the mounting controversy, a public function in Ayodhya, scheduled for June 5 and to be addressed by Singh, was abruptly canceled. Furthermore, Singh has been advised not to comment on the accusations leveled against him.
While senior party members maintain that the allegations are being thoroughly investigated in accordance with the law, a handful of BJP lawmakers have openly shown support for the women wrestlers who have come forward with detailed accounts of alleged harassment by Singh during his tenure as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. The statements made by these lawmakers have been recorded in two First Information Reports (FIRs) and were made public on Friday.
Pritam Munde, a BJP lawmaker representing Beed in Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of promptly addressing the complaints raised by the wrestlers. Munde urged authorities to take the matter seriously, stating, “When a woman makes a complaint as serious as this, it should be duly considered. The authorities must conduct a thorough investigation… While action should be taken only after due process, we cannot overlook these complaints.”
Munde further remarked, “Even though I am a part of the government, it must be acknowledged that the government’s communication with the wrestlers has been lacking.”
