Brij Bhushan Singh's touted dominance in Indian wrestling takes a hit as the Wrestling Federation of India faces suspension by the Sports Ministry, prompting the removal of triumphant posters and hoardings.
Posters and hoardings proclaiming the victory of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his confidant Sanjay Singh in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief polls have been swiftly taken down following the suspension of the sports body by the Centre. Singh, who previously led the WFI and faced allegations of sexual harassment from some female wrestlers, had touted his continued "dominance" in the wrestling arena after Sanjay Singh's triumph.
The conspicuous displays reading "dabdaba toh hai dabdaba toh rahega" outside Singh's residence and around the town have disappeared, coinciding with the Sports Ministry's decision to suspend the WFI for procedural violations. Brij Bhushan Singh, in response to the removal of the posters, acknowledged a sense of arrogance and announced his retirement from the politics of wrestling during a meeting with party chief J P Nadda in New Delhi.
Nadda's intervention aimed to defuse the crisis that erupted as leading wrestlers protested against Singh's associates taking control of the WFI. While the supporters of the six-time MP expressed their dissatisfaction, Singh, now retired, emphasized his engagement in other responsibilities, including overseeing Lok Sabha elections.
Local wrestlers in Gonda and neighboring Ayodhya refrained from daily practice following Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's exit from wrestling politics. The suspension of the WFI received support from Uttar Pradesh BJP president Bhupinder Chaudhary, who affirmed that the sports ministry's decision followed due process.
Even as Gonda district Congress president Pramod Mishra and local Samajwadi Party leader Suraj Singh welcomed the ministry's decision, the fallout impacted young wrestlers, prompting their return home ahead of the under-20 and under-15 national wrestling championship scheduled for December 28.
Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat have accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, with the case currently in the Delhi High Court. Singh, denying the allegations, claims to be targeted under a conspiracy by Congress leaders.
Despite Singh's influential position in several constituencies, his abrupt exit from wrestling politics is seen by some in the party as a move to de-escalate confrontations.