On Monday amid scorching Rajasthan heat, a wrinkled old man sat on a dharna in Bharatpur.
Under the banner of Sarv Samaj Beti Samman Bachao Samiti, 98-year-old veteran announced his support for the wrestlers who have been holding protest against Wrestling Federation of India(WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegedly sexually harassing female wrestlers.
Singh has denied accusations against him. He has even said that he will hang himself if charges against him are proven.
The support from Pandit Ramkishan is overwhelming for the protesting wrestlers.
Ramkishan is among the leaders who has fought against British for India’s independence. He is among the veterans who participated in Quit India Movement in 1942.
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Ramkishan has also been a MP and four time legislator of Rajasthan Assembly.
While extending his support to the protesting wrestlers, Ramkishan reportedly said: “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.”
“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 also said.
“The contribution of these champion girls in women empowerment is immense. Delay in justice to these champions may derail women empowerment in India,” he has said reportedly.
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Ramkishan has also earlier strived to get a Rs 40,000 crore scheme for water introduced in 13 districts of Rajasthan.
In the past, Ramkishan has been arrested several times while fighting for tribals, Dalits and the poor.
Earlier, in May this year Ramkishan was honoured with the title of Shatabdi Purush (Man of the Century) in Delhi.
Ramkishan had actively participated in the movements launched by socialist leaders Jayaprakash Narayan and Dr Manohar Lohia, and was put behind bars several times, including during the Emergency.
