New Delhi: As calls for the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh intensify while BJP kept a studied silence, BJP's Maharashtra MP Pritam Munde come out demanding the need for a thorough investigation into the complaints made the women. Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Beed district on Wednesday, Munde stated that authorities should thoroughly investigate any complaint before determining its validity.
"As a woman, I believe that if any woman lodges a complaint, it should be taken seriously and properly examined," Munde expressed, as reported by news agency PTI. She further added that it is the responsibility of the authorities to decide whether the complaint holds merit or not. Munde asserted that failing to address such complaints would not align with democratic principles.
Acknowledging her affiliation with the ruling government, Munde remarked that the government had not effectively communicated with the wrestlers. She reiterated that for the BJP, the country takes precedence over the party, and personal interests come last.
However, she emphasized the importance of individual perspectives, stating that attention should be paid when a significant movement like this goes unnoticed, regardless of the political party in power.
Munde also commented on the global wrestling body, the United World Wrestling (UWW), expressing her dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the investigations against the Wrestling Federation chief.
The UWW had expressed disappointment and threatened to suspend the Indian Federation if elections were not conducted within 45 days. Munde noted that demanding an inquiry committee would be futile since the international community is already taking cognizance of the case.
Previously, Haryana BJP MP Brijendra Singh expressed his distress over the situation, particularly when wrestlers threatened to discard their hard-earned medals in the river Ganga. However, they were prevented from doing so by farmers' union leader Naresh Tikait.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur appealed to the protesting wrestlers to remain patient and have faith in the Supreme Court, the Sports Ministry, and the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police confirmed that the cases filed by women wrestlers were still under consideration, and status reports were being submitted to the court. They highlighted the need to follow the proper procedure and refrain from making statements until the report is presented.