Shielding WFI chief is inconsistent with claims about the new Parliament

It must have upset many Government and Bharatiya Janata Party supporters that the pomp and pageantry of the inauguration of the new Parliament building was accompanied with the news that the wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in Delhi were manhandled by Delhi Police. They have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who also happens to be a BJP leader and parliamentarian. The Delhi Police has justified their action. “The dharna and demonstration of the wrestling wrestlers were going on smoothly at the notified place of Jantar Mantar. Yesterday, the protesters flouted the law in a frenzy despite all requests and requests. Hence, the ongoing dharna has been called off,” aDeputy Commissioner of Policetweeted in Hindi. That may be true, but the unsavory incident did take some of the shine off the grand event which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the heart of the issue is the ruling dispensation’s reluctance to act against Singh. It is a well-known fact that he is a political force to reckon with in not only the constituency in Uttar Pradesh he presents in the Lok Sabha but also adjoining districts. So, there are political compulsions in keeping him in good humour. But should these compulsions override every other consideration? What about the aspirations of sportspersons, their expectation to have a dignified life without the rapacity of unscrupulous sports officials? Most officials honestly ensure that their youngsters under their charge perform well, but there should be prompt action against those who are accused of wrongdoing. That didn’t happen. Wrestlers, including medal winners, had to protest in the heart of the national capital to get a police report filed against Singh.

Besides, as we mentioned earlier, Singh is not exactly the kind of leader Modi’s New India would project as an ideal leader. His image is that of a bahubali; years ago, he was charged with the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act or TADA for allegedly sheltering Dawood Ibrahim’s aide Subhash Thakur. He has faced several other cases too, though he has never been convicted even in one of them. That, however, is not surprising, because many bahubalis don’t get convicted for long periods. The protection that Singh enjoys is inconsistent with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s claim of being tough on crime. More importantly, it is also at odds with the inspiring words spoken by the Prime Minister at the inauguration of the new Parliament. He said, “Today, a New India is setting new goals and forging new paths. There is a new enthusiasm and a new zeal. There is a new journey and a new perspective. The direction is new and the vision is new. The resolve is new, the confidence is new.” Where does Singh fit into the new scheme of things?