The 98-year-old socialist and former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan has now come in support of wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers have accused Singh of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
The Indian Express report said Ramkishan has launched a campaign backing wrestlers from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.
It said Ramkishan, a four-time legislator from the Rajasthan Assembly, himself sat on dharna in support of the wrestlers in Bharatpur on Monday with his associates joining him under the banner of Sarv Samaj Beti Samman Bachao Samiti.
“The samiti announced its support to the wrestlers who have been demanding action against WFI president Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment and exploitation,” it mentioned
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“Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims to support ‘Beti Bachao’ but when those whom he called betis (daughters) cry for help from his own party MP, he closes eyes, ears and turns dumb,” Ramkishan said, as per the report.
It mentioned the socialist leader had participated in the Quit India movement of 1942.
Ramkishan said: “The British ignored the youth at their own peril; Modiji is facing the wrath of youth as well as women who are inspiring figures.”
“The contribution of these champion girls in women empowerment is immense. Delay in justice to these champions may derail women empowerment in India,” report quoted Ramkishan as having said.
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“Ramkishan’s dharna came a day after former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday urged the protesting wrestlers to visit Rajasthan, adding that people there were ready to support them,” it mentioned.
