The Congress party has strongly condemned the retirement announcement of Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, portraying it as a disgraceful chapter in India's sports history and placing blame squarely on the Modi government.
In a press conference at the party headquarters, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the government, asserting that every tear shed by the Olympian wrestler is evidence of the shamelessness of the Modi government. He accused the government of supporting a questionable leadership mantra, particularly referencing Brajbhushan Singh and the elected president Sanjay Singh's alleged association with injustice.
Surjewala contended that the government's sports policy involves making daughters cry, tormenting them, and forcing them to stay at home. He questioned the silence of Parliament and the government on the tears and helplessness of athletes, particularly women.
The Congress leader linked Sakshi Malik's retirement to the election of Sanjay Singh, accusing him of being an assistant and 'nominee' of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who himself faced accusations of sexual exploitation of wrestler daughters. Surjewala labeled this development as a dark chapter in the history of sports.
He asserted that the Modi government is directly responsible for the mistreatment of champion women wrestlers and highlighted the plight of those who speak up for justice. Referring to Brij Bhushan Singh's post-election statement, Surjewala expressed concerns about the continued dominance of those accused of exploitation.
Surjewala lamented the situation where the government failed to address the grievances of wrestler daughters, even when complaints were lodged with top officials. He criticized the BJP government for not ensuring justice and accused them of favoring Brij Bhushan Singh.
The Congress leader concluded by posing questions to the Modi government, questioning their silence on the athletes' tears and the alleged lack of freedom for sports associations from political interference.
This statement from the Congress party adds a political dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding Sakshi Malik's retirement, highlighting broader issues within the sports administration and governance in India.
(With Agency Inputs)
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