WATCH: Farmers join wrestlers' protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi
BKU's Rakesh Tikait and Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s Baldev Singh Sirsa have pledged their support to the protesting wrestlers.
New Delhi, May 08: On May 3, farmer leaders from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) broke barricades to join wrestlers who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23. The wrestlers are protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
BKU's Rakesh Tikait and Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s Baldev Singh Sirsa have pledged their support to the protesting wrestlers.
A video shared by news agency ANI showed the BKU members breaking barricades and trying to reach the protest venue. According to DCP New Delhi Pranav Tayal, the protestors climbed the barricades, which fell down and were removed by them. The Delhi Police deployed over 2,000 personnel on Sunday to maintain law and order. Private vehicles and buses were allowed to enter Delhi, but not tractor trolleys.
The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, have given a May 21 deadline to the Centre for accepting their demands. The protesters have been joined by farmers, khaps, and women organizations. Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have said they are prepared for a long haul.
Under-fire WFI chief Singh has urged farmer leaders not to make the ‘mistake' and wait for the outcome of the probe. He claimed he was innocent and alleged that he was targeted as he had brought reforms in the selection process for wrestlers. On May 6, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha extended support to the wrestlers' protest against Singh.