Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, extended her solidarity and support to Olympian wrestler Sakshi Malik during a meeting on Friday. Priyanka Gandhi visited Malik's residence, engaging not only with Malik but also with other wrestlers present.
Expressing her commitment to stand by Malik in her pursuit of justice, Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the cases where women athletes, who have brought pride to India globally, accused BJP MP and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Despite these serious allegations, the BJP government allegedly failed to take appropriate action, leaving the victims to face various forms of mistreatment.
"The BJP's support for the accused and their rewarding of him despite serious allegations are being observed by the women of our nation," Priyanka Gandhi stated.
Jairam Ramesh, another Congress General Secretary, condemned the BJP's treatment of athletes like Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, portraying it not just as an affront to them but to the entire nation. He criticized the government for allegedly neglecting the champions who have elevated India's reputation on the world stage and accused the Prime Minister and BJP of siding with those accused of sexual exploitation.
Earlier on Thursday, Punia, a decorated wrestler, announced the return of his Padma Shree award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in protest against recent developments.
Sakshi Malik, emotionally distressed, announced her decision to step away from wrestling following the election of Sanjay Singh, an associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Malik expressed her disappointment and anguish before leaving the press conference, symbolizing her decision by removing her shoes and placing them on the dais.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Bajrang Punia Leaves Padma Shri Award Outside PM's Residence
