The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, criticized the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the Union sports ministry, labeling it a “farce” on Sunday. The NCP asserted that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) couldn’t absolve itself from accusations of neglecting women wrestlers. The sports ministry suspended WFI after the newly-elected body’s abrupt announcement of U-15 and U-20 nationals, citing noncompliance with due procedure and inadequate notice to wrestlers. According to the ministry, the new body operated under the “complete control of former (WFI) officebearers,” violating the National Sports Code. WFI’s elections on December 21 resulted in Sanjay Singh’s victory as president, a loyalist of former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The sports ministry clarified that WFI’s suspension was temporary, emphasizing adherence to due process and rules. A ministry source explained, “Sanjay Kumar Singh, newly-elected president of WFI, announced U-15 and U-20 nationals in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) by year-end without sufficient notice and in violation of the WFI constitution.” The ministry quoted WFI’s constitution, emphasizing the need for proper procedures for national championships. In response, Clyde Crasto, the NCP’s national spokesperson, questioned the ministry’s decision, asking, “If this can be done, then why did they allow elections to be conducted?” Crasto insisted that suspending the committee wouldn’t absolve the BJP-led ministry from neglecting women wrestlers. The suspension coincides with allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Singh, involving top wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat. The case is under consideration in the Delhi High Court.
