BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh postpones Ayodhya rally amid wrestler harassment allegations

BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has decided to delay his scheduled rally in Ayodhya to June 5 in the wake of mounting calls for his arrest on allegations of sexually harassing prominent wrestlers, including at least one minor.

This development follows a gathering of around 50 khaps, or clan units, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where they expressed support for the wrestlers and planned to meet President Droupadi Murmu to advocate for action against Singh.

While the Union government emphasized its sensitive handling of the matter, Singh referred to the ongoing police investigation and Supreme Court directives in a Facebook post, explaining his decision to postpone the "grand rally" where Ayodhya Saints were expected to share the stage with him.

During a press conference last week, Ayodhya Saints stood in solidarity with Singh, calling for an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenders Act (POCSO) under which he was charged. They argued that the misuse of the POCSO Act and harassment of Singh were taking place.

Notably, renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who have won medals at the Olympics and World Championships, protested against Singh. The incident unfolded live on television on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar, where the wrestlers voiced their demand for Singh's immediate arrest. Singh, who previously served as the head of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for 12 years, now faces two cases and has made a disturbing statement, claiming he would take his own life if convicted of even a single charge.