Latest news with #BrijBhushan
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
A Rajput show of strength as Brij Bhushan makes star appearance in Haryana wrestling heartland
THE OPPOSITION from some khap panchayats notwithstanding, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh made an appearance as chief guest at an event in Haryana's wrestling backyard Sunday. The leader who is facing sexual harassment allegations from several wrestlers was invited to an event to felicitate wrestler Rachna Parmar, in Bond Kalan village of Charkhi Dadri district. Parmar, a member of the Rajput community, recently won a gold medal in the women's 43 kg category at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championship in Vietnam. Charkhi Dadri is also the home district of Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is currently a Congress MLA from Julana in Jind district. In 2023, Phogat was among the wrestlers who led a protest in Delhi against Singh over the sexual harassment allegations. Brij Bhushan was invited, along with local BJP MLA Sunil Sangwan and Lok Sabha MP Dharambir Singh, for the felicitation event by the Rajput Mahasabha. Both members of the Jat community like Phogat, Sangwan and Dharambir reportedly left the venue before Singh's arrival, citing time constraints. However, this is being viewed as an effort to avoid ruffling the feathers of the Jat community, given the caste equations in Haryana. Several khap leaders from the region had publicly opposed Brij Bhushan's visit, and urged the organisers not to invite him. In a statement, local khap leader Krishan Phogat said: 'Such persons come to break brotherhood, not to unite. The local MLA and MP should not attend the function either.' However, the Rajput Mahasabha leader from Charkhi Dadri, Pawan Sanjarwas, called those opposing the visit 'anti-social elements' and warned that they would be 'taught a lesson' if they even tried to protest. Sanjarwas told The Indian Express the opposition to Brij Bhushan had only helped the Rajput Mahasabha. 'It led to more presence at the felicitation event.' Sanjarwas also said that Rajput votes would consolidate behind the BJP with Brij Bhushan's visit. Colonel (retd) Devender Singh Rana, a Rajput community leader from Karnal, also supported the visit, saying it would help make a political impact. The Rajput community, estimated to be around 8% of Haryana's population, is concentrated mainly in the districts of Rewari, Mahendragarh, Gurgaon Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Ambala, and Karnal, Rana said. According to him, this translated into electoral sway in 17 of the 90 Assembly constituencies. Still, as of now, Haryana has only two Rajput MLAs – Shyam Singh Rana (Radaur), who is a minister in the BJP's Nayab Singh Saini government, and Yoginder Singh Rana (Assandh). While the Rajput community is traditionally considered a BJP vote bank, cracks had surfaced in 2023 over the controversy surrounding a statue of 9th-century king Mihir Bhoj. Thirty-five BJP leaders from Kaithal had threatened to resign after some party members from the Gurjar community referred to the king as 'Gurjar Pratihar Samrat Mihir Bhoj' during a statue unveiling. The contention of the Rajput community is that Mihir Bhoj belongs to the community and should be referred to as 'Hindu Samrat' instead. The matter is currently pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Vinod Rana Thamber, a Rajput leader from Ambala, said Brij Bhushan's visit should not be seen in the context of politics. 'The event organised in Bond Kalan village was just a social function to honour a member of the community.'
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan's visit sparks anger on Vinesh Phogat home turf
Sat Singh | tnn Rohtak: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP functionary from Uttar Pradesh, , visited Charkhi Dadri -- the home district of Olympian wrestler -- on Sunday, sparking anger and controversy, particularly among local khap panchayats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Brij Bhushan arrived in Dadri's Baund Kalan village amid heavy security on the invitation of Rajput Sabha to felicitate wrestler Rachna Parmar, who recently won gold at the U-17 Asian Championship in Vietnam. BJP leader and Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt was also honoured at the event. Brij Bhushan said that India has yet to win a gold medal in wrestling at the Olympics and proposed that Dutt be entrusted with this responsibility. Before Brij Bhushan arrived, local BJP MP Chaudhary Dharambir from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh constituency and Dadri MLA Sunil Sangwan attended the event briefly. However, both leaders left before Brij Bhushan's arrival, citing time constraints. Several khap panchayats opposed his visit. Phogat Khap, which has been vocal in supporting Vinesh Phogat since the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan, condemned his presence in Dadri. Phogat Khap secretary Kuldeep Phogat, BKU (Youth) state president Ravi Azad and Krishna Phogat said Rachna Parmar made the country proud and should be celebrated "but inviting someone like Brij Bhushan, who is accused of disrespecting women wrestlers, sends a highly negative message to society". Nehra Khap from Rohtak also objected to Brij Bhushan's participation. Its Youth national president, Sandeep Nehra, said: "Brij Bhushan's presence in Dadri is inappropriate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He has insulted Vinesh Phogat and other female wrestlers. His participation hurts the sentiments of the local people." In response to the backlash, Rajput Sabha's Charkhi Dadri district in charge Pawan Sanjarwasiya defended the event, saying: "The programme is meant to honour a farmer's daughter who has brought pride to the nation. Only a few self-proclaimed leaders and disruptive elements are opposing the event. The Panwar Batisi Khap is fully ready to welcome Brij Bhushan." He warned that any attempts to disrupt the event would be dealt with strictly. This event has deepened the divide between khap leadership and BJP's local and central figures, especially in light of the ongoing concerns over the treatment of women athletes. Vinesh Phogat and several other wrestlers previously led protests demanding action against Brij Bhushan over allegations of misconduct. MSID:: 122279144 413 |
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Khaps, farmer unions to protest Brij Bhushan's visit at wrestler's felicitation
Representatives of various Khap panchayats and farmer organisations have announced that they will show black flags to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), during his visit to Bond Kalan village on Sunday. Singh is expected to attend a felicitation ceremony honouring Asian gold medallist wrestler Rachna Parmar. Phogat Khap's acting president, Krishan Phogat, objected strongly, stating, 'Brij Bhushan's name has come up in a sexual harassment case that is currently under judicial consideration. Such individuals should not be welcomed at social gatherings.' (HT File) Parmar recently won a gold medal at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championship held in Vietnam. The event's organisers had extended invitations to Bhiwani-Mahendergarh MP Dharambir Singh, Dadri BJP MLA Suneel Sangwan, and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to participate in the celebration. However, opposition to Singh's presence has been mounting. Phogat Khap's acting president, Krishan Phogat, objected strongly, stating, 'Brij Bhushan's name has come up in a sexual harassment case that is currently under judicial consideration. Such individuals should not be welcomed at social gatherings.' He also accused Singh of targeting former wrestler Vinesh Phogat. 'He ran a smear campaign against our daughter, Vinesh. His presence only seeks to divide the community. The BJP MLA and MP should refrain from attending if they support him,' he said. Echoing similar concerns, Athgama Khap chief Ranbir Singh said the organisers should reflect on their decision to invite Singh to the event. On the other hand, Pawan Kumar, media coordinator of the Charkhi Dadri Rajput Mahasabha, criticised the protest calls. He said, 'Some self-styled leaders are trying to politicise the visit. Rachna Parmar, like many others, belongs to the farming community, and there is no widespread resentment in the area.' Tensions remain high ahead of the ceremony, with both sides standing firm on their views regarding Brij Bhushan's participation.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘What if he wasn't Brij Bhushan?' A wake-up call for men's rights in India
Barkha Trehan is an equal rights activist and a strong believer in gender-neutral society. She challenges gender-specific prejudices and stereotypes, advocating for equal justice for all genders within the legal system. Barkha firmly believes in the Indian Constitution, which guarantees rights to all genders without discrimination, and she actively works towards realizing this vision. Key Roles: - President, Purush Aayog - Social Activist - Media Personality - TEDx Speaker - Documentary Director- The Curse of Manhood - Director of the Short Film : One Sided Love • Josh Talk • Hindu Entrepreneur LESS ... MORE The POCSO case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was closed by a Delhi court. The case had triggered nationwide outrage and protests by wrestlers. Let's be clear: if the minor retracted her statement, closure was legally inevitable. But why was a man declared guilty in public even before trial? Why was due process discarded for TRPs and political brownie points? 'A man accused is a man destroyed even when acquitted.' Brij Bhushan had political clout, financial muscle, and visibility. He could fight back. But what about the aam purush the ordinary man with no platform, no resources? The salaried man falsely accused in marriage disputes, the young boy framed in college by a rejected proposal, the elderly father battling false domestic violence claims? 'When even powerful men get dragged, what hope does the powerless have?' This case proves that truth must be proved, not presumed. Gender cannot be the benchmark of credibility. 'Today it's Brij Bhushan. Tomorrow it could be your father, your brother, your son.' The damage is done. The POCSO case is closed, but the stigma, the vilification, and the career cost stay. The other harassment cases remain under tria if they too fall, who will return his reputation? India cannot continue this witch-hunt of men in the name of women empowerment. It's time to stop the misuse. It's time for a Men's Commission. It's time for equal rights. For real justice. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Lashkar bhi tumhara hai ... ': Vinesh Phogat's bold reply to Brij Bhushan Singh
Vinesh Phogat (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia , who spearheaded the protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, responded strongly after a Delhi court dismissed the sexual harassment case filed under the POCSO Act against him. Bajrang was the first to react, pointing out that Brij Bhushan organized a grand roadshow to celebrate the court's decision, even though six other cases against him are still ongoing. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! He shared a detailed post on his social media account expressing his concerns. Brij Bhushan Singh POCSO Act mein bari hone ke baad road show kar raha hai aur apni jeet dikha raha hai, jabki abhi 6 mahila pehalwanon ke case court mein chal rahe hain [After being acquitted in the POCSO Act, Brij Bhushan Singh is doing road shows and showing his victory, while the cases of 6 women wrestlers are still going on in the court]," Bajrang worte. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! RCB vs PBKS, IPL Qualifier 1: Quick Singles from Mullanpur | Indian Premier League "Jab mahila pehalwan aandolan par baithi thi, usi samay hi naabaaligh mahila pehalwan Brij Bhushan ke dabav mein peeche hat gayi thi jabki ek baar woh Brij Bhushan ke khilaaf gawaahi de chuki thi. Brij Bhushan abhi bhi baaki 6 mahila pehalwanon par lagataar dabav bana raha hai ki ve bhi apne case wapas lein. Kyunki use sexual harassment ki peediton ko jhukaakar dobara road show nikaalkar apni taaqat dikhane ka mann kar raha hoga. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Best Life Starts Today Maximus Learn More Undo Kayi baar lagta hai ki aaj bhi kanoon raaj gundon ke saamne bauna hai [When the women wrestlers were on strike, at the same time, the minor women wrestler backed out under pressure from Brij Bhushan even though she had once testified against Brij Bhushan. Brij Bhushan is still pressurizing the remaining 6 female wrestlers to withdraw their cases. Because he might be feeling like showing his power by making the victims of sexual harassment bow down and organizing a road show again. Many times it seems that even today the law is dwarf in front of the goons]," Bajarang further said. Vinesh also reacted and shared her views by reposting Bajarang's post on X. "Lashkar bhi tumhara hai, Sardar bhi tumhara hai, Tum jhooth ko sach likh do, akhbaar bhi tumhara hai! Hum iski shikayat karte to kahan karte, Sarkar tumhari hai, Governor bhi tumhara hai! [The army is yours, the leader is yours too, You write lies as truth, the newspaper is also yours! If we were to complain about this, where would we go? The government is yours, the governor is also yours]," Vinesh wrote. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
