BJP fields Brij Bhushan’s son from UP’s Kaiserganj; drops wrestler amid sexual assault charges

PTC News Desk: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP's prominent MP and former wrestling figure won't be contesting in the  Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Instead, the Bharatiya Janata Party chose his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, as its candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj. 

The BJP made the announcement this afternoon, after speculations regarding the Kaiserganj seat. 

The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Brij Bhushan, who served as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India for nearly a decade, following accusations of sexual misconduct by six women wrestlers. The allegations prompted a significant demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with top Indian wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia participating.

Furthermore, Brij Bhushan’s political career is also marked by several controversies including being arrested in the demolition of the Babri Masjid, booked under the anti-terrorism law TADA and several others. 

Who is Karan Bhushan Singh? 

• Karan Bhushan Singh is an Indian politician and the youngest son of Brij Bhushan Singh. 
• Karan Bhushan Singh secured victory in the Uttar Pradesh constituency thrice consecutively, emerged triumphant in the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Kaiserganj with a margin of two lakh votes.
• Karan Bhushan Singh serves as the president of the Uttar Pradesh wrestling association, having previously held the position of senior vice president within the same association.
• Karan Bhushan Singh also holds the position of president at the Cooperative Village Development Bank in Nawabganj, Gonda.

With polling scheduled for May 20 in Kaiserganj during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Karan Bhushan Singh as the party's candidate signals a potential shift in political strategy amidst ongoing legal proceedings and public scrutiny.

- With inputs from agencies

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