New Delhi:
Allegations of sexual harassment and street protests by the country's top wrestlers could cost BJP heavyweight and six-time MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh the chance to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Sources in the BJP told NDTV that the former national wrestling boss may not get a ticket this time from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh, which he has represented for three consecutive terms. The party leadership, a source said, has discussed this with the BJP leader and may field his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, from Kaiserganj. The heavyweight politician, it is learned, is still pushing for an election pass.
His eldest son Pratik Bhushan Singh is an MLA. Karan Bhushan Singh currently heads the wrestling body of Uttar Pradesh.
Kaiserganj will vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. The last date for submitting nomination is tomorrow. So, the BJP is expected to make an announcement about its candidate today. The announcement will also put an end to speculation about BJP's choice for the seat.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been president of the Wrestling Federation of India for more than a decade and made headlines early last year when the country's top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Malikkh, accused him of sexually harassing female wrestlers and organized a large-scale protest in India. the national capital.
The BJP heavyweight has denied the allegations. The case against him is pending in a Delhi court.
Last month, the BJP leader had blamed the media for the delay in announcing the party's Kaiserganj candidate. “You (media) people don't have to worry. The announcement of my candidacy is being postponed because of you people,” he said.