<p>Vinesh Phogat assured a medal for India after entering the final of women's wrestling at Paris Olympics. But her victory was followed by a slew of political potshots, given her participation in protests against the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition Congress took the opportunity to take potshots at Modi, asking him if he would congratulate her like he does for all sports achievers, while Kangana Renaut, an MP from Modi's ruling BJP, reminded Phogat that at one time the wrestler had said she would 'dig Modi's grave'.</p>

<h2><strong>Vinesh Phogat's feat at Olympics</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday (Aug 6), the 29-year-old became the first Indian woman to enter an Olympics wrestling final.&nbsp;On a single day, Phogat defeated three top wrestlers.&nbsp;She beat Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman in the semifinal of women's 50kg freestyle category, after stunning defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan and eighth-seeded Ukrainian Oksana Livach in the previous bouts. On Wednesday, she will face American&nbsp;Sarah Hildebrandt in the final.</p>

<h2><br />
<strong>How opposition Congress reacted to Vinesh Phogat's Olympics achievement</strong></h2>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, India's leader of Opposition&nbsp;said in a post on X: "Today, along with Vinesh, the entire country is emotional after defeating three top wrestlers of the world in a single day. All those who denied the struggle of Vinesh and her teammates, and even questioned their intentions and abilities, have got their answer."</p>

<p>"Today, the entire power system that had made India shed tears of blood collapsed in front of her brave daughter. This is the identity of champions, they give their answer from the field. Best wishes Vinesh. The echo of your success in Paris can be heard clearly till Delhi," said the Congress leader.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">एक ही दिन में दुनिया की तीन धुरंधर पहलवानों को हराने के बाद आज विनेश के साथ-साथ पूरा देश भावुक है।<br />
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जिन्होंने भी विनेश और उसके साथियों के संघर्ष को झुठलाया, उनकी नीयत और काबिलियत तक पर प्रश्नचिन्ह खड़े किए, उन सभी को जवाब मिल चुका है।<br />
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आज भारत की बहादुर बेटी के सामने सत्ता का… <a href="https://t.co/MzfIrYfRog">pic.twitter.com/MzfIrYfRog</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1820877024883601915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul Gandhi's sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi wrote on X: "I know that for you this is not just a tough match of Olympics. You defeated the world's number one player, but this is also a victory of your struggles inside and outside the field. Today the whole world is seeing the tricolour fluttering in your hands. You are the pride of this country and will always remain so. Best wishes. Jai Ho! Vijay Ho!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">शाबाश <a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phogat_Vinesh</a> !<br />
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मैं जानती हूं कि आपके लिए यह सिर्फ ओ​लंपिक का कठिन मुकाबला भर नहीं है। आपने दुनिया की नंबर वन खिलाड़ी को तो हराया ही, यह मैदान के भीतर और बाहर आपके संघर्षों की भी जीत है।<br />
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आज पूरी दुनिया आपके हाथों में लहराता हुआ तिरंगा देख रही है। आप इस देश का गौरव हैं… <a href="https://t.co/ATOuWuLRns">pic.twitter.com/ATOuWuLRns</a></p>
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1820800692258279693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X: "Vinesh Phogat is assured of a silver or a gold medal at Paris. Will the non-biological PM call her? To congratulate her of course but more importantly to apologise for the atrocious manner in which the Delhi Police misbehaved with her during the women wrestlers protest?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">विनेश फोगाट का पेरिस ओलंपिक में सिल्वर या गोल्ड मेडल पक्का है। क्या नॉन-बायोलॉजिकल प्रधानमंत्री उन्हें कॉल करेंगे? निश्चित रूप से उन्हें बधाई देने के लिए, लेकिन इससे भी महत्वपूर्ण यह है कि उस शर्मानाक घटना के लिए माफ़ी मांगने के लिए जब महिला पहलवानों के विरोध प्रदर्शन के दौरान…</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1820881846713860209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the news, Kangana Renaut, actress and BJP lawmaker from Himachal Pradesh, pointed out that Phogat, at the height of wrestlers' protest, had said she would dig the grave of Modi, and yet was allowed to take part in Olympics.<br />
<br />
"Fingers crossed for India's first Gold Medal. Vinesh Phogat at one point took part in protests where she raised the slogans of 'Modi teri khabr Khudegi' [Modi, will dig your grave]. Yet she was given the opportunity to represent the nation and best of the training, coaches and facilities. Beauty of democrac and a great leader," she posted on her Instagram stories.</p>

<h2><strong>Vinesh Phogat and the wrestlers' protest</strong></h2>

<p>In 2023, Vinesh Phogat along with some male and female wrestlers began a protest against Brajbhushan Singh, then a BJP lawmaker and the chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), alleging that he molested or sexually abused several wrestlers. In spite of their long protest, Singh refused to quit, and the government cracked down on the protest, forcibly removing them from Delhi streets. The protest eventually became a larger anti-government agitation. Singh eventually exited as WFI chief.<br />
<br />
Even before the Indian wrestlers were to go to Paris, there were several uncertainties as to whether they will be allowed or able to participate.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Vinesh Phogat assured a medal for India after entering the final of women's wrestling at Paris Olympics. But her victory was followed by a slew of political potshots, given her participation in protests against the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vinesh Phogat assured a medal for India after entering the final of women's wrestling at Paris Olympics. But her victory was followed by a slew of political potshots, given her participation in protests against the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition Congress took the opportunity to take potshots at Modi, asking him if he would congratulate her like he does for all sports achievers, while Kangana Renaut, an MP from Modi's ruling BJP, reminded Phogat that at one time the wrestler had said she would 'dig Modi's grave'. Vinesh Phogat's feat at Olympics On Tuesday (Aug 6), the 29-year-old became the first Indian woman to enter an Olympics wrestling final. On a single day, Phogat defeated three top wrestlers. She beat Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman in the semifinal of women's 50kg freestyle category, after stunning defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan and eighth-seeded Ukrainian Oksana Livach in the previous bouts. On Wednesday, she will face American Sarah Hildebrandt in the final. How opposition Congress reacted to Vinesh Phogat's Olympics achievement Rahul Gandhi, India's leader of Opposition said in a post on X: "Today, along with Vinesh, the entire country is emotional after defeating three top wrestlers of the world in a single day. All those who denied the struggle of Vinesh and her teammates, and even questioned their intentions and abilities, have got their answer." "Today, the entire power system that had made India shed tears of blood collapsed in front of her brave daughter. This is the identity of champions, they give their answer from the field. Best wishes Vinesh. The echo of your success in Paris can be heard clearly till Delhi," said the Congress leader. एक ही दिन में दुनिया की तीन धुरंधर पहलवानों को हराने के बाद आज विनेश के साथ-साथ पूरा देश भावुक है। जिन्होंने भी विनेश और उसके साथियों के संघर्ष को झुठलाया, उनकी नीयत और काबिलियत तक पर प्रश्नचिन्ह खड़े किए, उन सभी को जवाब मिल चुका है। आज भारत की बहादुर बेटी के सामने सत्ता का… pic.twitter.com/MzfIrYfRog — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2024 × Rahul Gandhi's sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi wrote on X: "I know that for you this is not just a tough match of Olympics. You defeated the world's number one player, but this is also a victory of your struggles inside and outside the field. Today the whole world is seeing the tricolour fluttering in your hands. You are the pride of this country and will always remain so. Best wishes. Jai Ho! Vijay Ho!" शाबाश @Phogat_Vinesh ! मैं जानती हूं कि आपके लिए यह सिर्फ ओलंपिक का कठिन मुकाबला भर नहीं है। आपने दुनिया की नंबर वन खिलाड़ी को तो हराया ही, यह मैदान के भीतर और बाहर आपके संघर्षों की भी जीत है। आज पूरी दुनिया आपके हाथों में लहराता हुआ तिरंगा देख रही है। आप इस देश का गौरव हैं… pic.twitter.com/ATOuWuLRns — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 6, 2024 × Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X: "Vinesh Phogat is assured of a silver or a gold medal at Paris. Will the non-biological PM call her? To congratulate her of course but more importantly to apologise for the atrocious manner in which the Delhi Police misbehaved with her during the women wrestlers protest?" विनेश फोगाट का पेरिस ओलंपिक में सिल्वर या गोल्ड मेडल पक्का है। क्या नॉन-बायोलॉजिकल प्रधानमंत्री उन्हें कॉल करेंगे? निश्चित रूप से उन्हें बधाई देने के लिए, लेकिन इससे भी महत्वपूर्ण यह है कि उस शर्मानाक घटना के लिए माफ़ी मांगने के लिए जब महिला पहलवानों के विरोध प्रदर्शन के दौरान… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 6, 2024 × Reacting to the news, Kangana Renaut, actress and BJP lawmaker from Himachal Pradesh, pointed out that Phogat, at the height of wrestlers' protest, had said she would dig the grave of Modi, and yet was allowed to take part in Olympics. "Fingers crossed for India's first Gold Medal. Vinesh Phogat at one point took part in protests where she raised the slogans of 'Modi teri khabr Khudegi' [Modi, will dig your grave]. Yet she was given the opportunity to represent the nation and best of the training, coaches and facilities. Beauty of democrac and a great leader," she posted on her Instagram stories. Vinesh Phogat and the wrestlers' protest In 2023, Vinesh Phogat along with some male and female wrestlers began a protest against Brajbhushan Singh, then a BJP lawmaker and the chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), alleging that he molested or sexually abused several wrestlers. In spite of their long protest, Singh refused to quit, and the government cracked down on the protest, forcibly removing them from Delhi streets. The protest eventually became a larger anti-government agitation. Singh eventually exited as WFI chief. Even before the Indian wrestlers were to go to Paris, there were several uncertainties as to whether they will be allowed or able to participate. (With inputs from agencies)

Vinesh Phogat enters Olympics wrestling final, Congress mocks PM, Kangana reminds her of anti-Modi stance

<p>Indian Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly met the protesting wrestlers at his official residence in the New Delhi capital city late Saturday night.</p>

<p>During the meeting, which is said to have begun at 11 pm and lasted till midnight, the wrestlers pressed for an impartial probe and quick action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor.</p>

<p>The athletes present in the meeting included Olympian Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi&nbsp;Malik, Sangita Phogat and Satyawart Kadian.</p>

<p>According to reports, the wrestlers sought immediate action and an impartial probe against Singh.</p>

<p>In response, Shah assured them that justice will be provided, and asked them to let the law take its own course.</p>

<p>It is being further reported that the wrestlers wanted to meet the Union home minister their five-day deadline for action against the wrestling federation chief ended on Saturday.</p>

<p>Before Shah, the wrestlers also spoke with sports minister Anurag Thakur who assured fair probe into their allegations.</p>

<h2><strong>Wrestlers give 5 days time to nab WFI Chief | India News</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wrestlers-give-5-days-time-to-nab-wfi-chief-india-news-598466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The meeting comes days after the wrestlers attempted to immerse their medals in the Ganga, Haridwar, in a symbolic protest, but were stopped by farmers leader Rakesh Tikait, who gave an ultimatum to the government to arrest Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh before June 9.</p>

<p>The wrestlers have said that they will end their protest only after Singh is arrested.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wfi-chief-asked-for-sexual-favours-touched-women-wrestlers-inappropriately-details-of-2-firs-10-complaints-599495">WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaint</a>s</p>

<p>So far, police have filed two complaints against Bri Bhushan Sharan Singh after the wrestlers started their protest in April at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.</p>

<p>The nature of the complaint revealed serious allegations against the BJP member of parliament (MP), which documents instances of the WFI chief touching female wrestlers in a sexually offensive manner, including minors, despite being repeatedly asked not to do so.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have cordoned off the protesting site (Jantar Mantar), claiming that the wrestlers broke the law in a frenzy despite repeated requests.</p>

<p>Several protesters were detained during the march. Visuals of champions Vinesh Phogat and her cousin Sangeeta Phogat being pinned onto the ground by the police had evoked shock and outrage across the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly met the protesting wrestlers at his official residence in the New Delhi capital city late Saturday night. During the meeting, which is said to have begun at 11 pm and lasted till midnight, the wrestlers pressed for an impartial probe and quick action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly met the protesting wrestlers at his official residence in the New Delhi capital city late Saturday night. During the meeting, which is said to have begun at 11 pm and lasted till midnight, the wrestlers pressed for an impartial probe and quick action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor. The athletes present in the meeting included Olympian Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Sangita Phogat and Satyawart Kadian. According to reports, the wrestlers sought immediate action and an impartial probe against Singh. In response, Shah assured them that justice will be provided, and asked them to let the law take its own course. It is being further reported that the wrestlers wanted to meet the Union home minister their five-day deadline for action against the wrestling federation chief ended on Saturday. Before Shah, the wrestlers also spoke with sports minister Anurag Thakur who assured fair probe into their allegations. Wrestlers give 5 days time to nab WFI Chief | India News The meeting comes days after the wrestlers attempted to immerse their medals in the Ganga, Haridwar, in a symbolic protest, but were stopped by farmers leader Rakesh Tikait, who gave an ultimatum to the government to arrest Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh before June 9. The wrestlers have said that they will end their protest only after Singh is arrested. Also read | WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaints So far, police have filed two complaints against Bri Bhushan Sharan Singh after the wrestlers started their protest in April at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The nature of the complaint revealed serious allegations against the BJP member of parliament (MP), which documents instances of the WFI chief touching female wrestlers in a sexually offensive manner, including minors, despite being repeatedly asked not to do so. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have cordoned off the protesting site (Jantar Mantar), claiming that the wrestlers broke the law in a frenzy despite repeated requests. Several protesters were detained during the march. Visuals of champions Vinesh Phogat and her cousin Sangeeta Phogat being pinned onto the ground by the police had evoked shock and outrage across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Protesting Indian wrestlers met Home Minister Amit Shah, pressed for action against WFI chief: Report

<p>A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers. The video showed some of the members of "khap panchayat" shouting and pointing fingers at each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was reportedly a "khap mahapanchayat" and representatives of various khaps and farmers' outfits reached the Jat Dharamshala from different states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several medal-winners, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting in New Delhi, asking the government to take action against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing female grapplers, including a minor.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Scuffle breaks out between the members of Khap panchayat during their meeting in support of wrestlers' protest in Kurukshetra, Haryana <a href="https://t.co/Nj15aQgxZ9">pic.twitter.com/Nj15aQgxZ9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1664557089111564289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Similar "khap mahapanchayats" were held as well in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday, to show solidarity with the distraught wrestlers. The wrestlers are even mulling over immersing their hard-earned medals in the river Ganga, and even travelling to Haridwar but they changed the plan after the khap and farmer leaders asked them not to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said, "We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed two FIRs based on the wrestlers' complaints. One of those relates to the allegations levelled by a minor wrestler and has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana: We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation: Farmer leader… <a href="https://t.co/dEnpTr4TmL">pic.twitter.com/dEnpTr4TmL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1664595950713856000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Brij Bhushan Singh postpones Ayodhya rally&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>An official said on Friday that the district administration has denied permission to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment, to hold a rally here on June 5. But Singh said he postponed the 'Jan Chetna Maharally' at the Ram Katha Park for "a few days" due to the ongoing police probe into the wrestlers' allegations against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of the events scheduled on World Environment Day on June 5, a request by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf of Singh seeking permission for the rally was turned down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Facebook post, Singh said, "My dear well wishers! With your support, I have served as a member of the Lok Sabha for the last 28 years. I have tried to unite people of all castes, communities and religions, while being in the ruling party or in opposition. It is for these reasons that my political opponents and their parties have levelled false allegations against me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the present situation, some political parties are trying to disturb the social harmony by promoting provincialism, regionalism and caste conflict by holding rallies at various places," Singh said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers.

A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers. The video showed some of the members of "khap panchayat" shouting and pointing fingers at each other. It was reportedly a "khap mahapanchayat" and representatives of various khaps and farmers' outfits reached the Jat Dharamshala from different states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Several medal-winners, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting in New Delhi, asking the government to take action against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing female grapplers, including a minor. #WATCH | Scuffle breaks out between the members of Khap panchayat during their meeting in support of wrestlers' protest in Kurukshetra, Haryana pic.twitter.com/Nj15aQgxZ9 — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2023 × Similar "khap mahapanchayats" were held as well in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday, to show solidarity with the distraught wrestlers. The wrestlers are even mulling over immersing their hard-earned medals in the river Ganga, and even travelling to Haridwar but they changed the plan after the khap and farmer leaders asked them not to. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said, "We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation." Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed two FIRs based on the wrestlers' complaints. One of those relates to the allegations levelled by a minor wrestler and has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. #WATCH | Haryana: We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation: Farmer leader… pic.twitter.com/dEnpTr4TmL — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2023 × Brij Bhushan Singh postpones Ayodhya rally An official said on Friday that the district administration has denied permission to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment, to hold a rally here on June 5. But Singh said he postponed the 'Jan Chetna Maharally' at the Ram Katha Park for "a few days" due to the ongoing police probe into the wrestlers' allegations against him. Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of the events scheduled on World Environment Day on June 5, a request by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf of Singh seeking permission for the rally was turned down. In a Facebook post, Singh said, "My dear well wishers! With your support, I have served as a member of the Lok Sabha for the last 28 years. I have tried to unite people of all castes, communities and religions, while being in the ruling party or in opposition. It is for these reasons that my political opponents and their parties have levelled false allegations against me." "In the present situation, some political parties are trying to disturb the social harmony by promoting provincialism, regionalism and caste conflict by holding rallies at various places," Singh said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wrestlers protest in India: Scuffle breaks out between Khap members during meet - watch