Wrestlers' protest 'Wrestlers protest not political, we were silent as fraternity wasn't united earlier': Sakshee Malikkh
New Delhi/IBNS: Olympic medallist Sakshee Malikkh and her wrestler husband Satyawart Kadian have stated that their protest was not politically motivated and they remained silent for years despite facing harassment as the wrestling fraternity was not united earlier.
In a video posted on Twitter, Kadian said a false narrative was being created around their protest and they wanted to clear the air.
Country's top wrestlers including Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, accused outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Leaders from different political parties, including Congress' Priyanka Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik visited the protest site, extending their support to the wrestlers before they were removed from Jantar Mantar on May 28.
Sitting beside Sakshee Malikkh, Kadia said rumours were being spread about their protest.
"Let me make it clear that our protest is not politically-motivated. We came (to Jantar Mantar) in January, and permission was taken by two BJP leaders seeking police permission," he said and asked Sakshee Malikkh to show the letter, seeking permission for the protest.
Kadian, who competes in the heavy-weight category, reiterated that their fight is against the WFI chief and not against the government.
वीडियो में हमने तीरथ राणा और बबीता फोगाट पर तंज कसा था कि कैसे वे अपने स्वार्थ के लिए पहलवानों को इस्तेमाल करना चाह रहे थे और कैसे पहलवानों पर जब विपदा पड़ी तो वे जाकर सरकार की गोद में बैठ गये. हम मुसीबत में ज़रूर हैं लेकिन हास्यबोध इतना कमज़ोर नहीं हो जाना चाहिए कि ताकतवर को… https://t.co/xGn81uHyav
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) June 18, 2023
Sakshee Malikkh said they were silent for years as wrestlers were not united.
"You have seen that the minor has retracted her statement. Her family was intimidated. These wrestlers come from poor families. It's not easy to muster courage to take on a powerful man," the Rio Games bronze medallist said. Kadian said the police brutality they faced on May 28 broke them. The police had detained them and pushed them into buses, an action that faced criticism from all quarters.
The wrestlers were booked for violating law and order as they marched towards the new parliament building without permission.
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