The proposed rally was widely perceived as a show of strength by WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh even as his party faces growing pressure to sack him.
Team Clarion
AYODHYA — The Ayodhya district administration has denied permission to BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers, to hold rally here on June 5, media reports say.
A senior official said that since Section 144 was already in place in Ayodhya, the rally could not be allowed.
Brij Bhushan Singh, however, posted on social media that the Jan Chetna Rally in Ayodhya in his support had been “postponed for a few days while the police are investigating the charges” against him.
The proposed rally was widely perceived as a show of strength by Singh even as his party faces growing pressure to sack him.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had previously announced that he would address the rally on Monday “with the blessings of Sadhus”.
According to media reports, Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of the events scheduled on the World Environment Day on June 5, a request by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf Singh seeking permission for the rally was turned down.
In his Facebook post, WFI chied said that the rally in Ayodhya in his support had been “postponed for a few days while the police are investigating the charges” against him.
His Facebook post came as details emerged of the charges listed in FIRs filed against him by wrestlers, who have been protesting for months to push for his removal as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, have been holding protests since April 23 accusing Singh of sexual exploitation.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has denied the charges, claiming he will ‘hang himself’ if the allegations are proven.
In Friday’s post, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh again claimed he was being ‘falsely accused’ by political opponents and their parties.
“Served as a member of the Lok Sabha for the last 28 years with your support. I have tried to unite people of all castes, communities and religions while in power and opposition. These are the reasons my political opponents and their parties have falsely accused me,” he wrote.
Singh is the BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh.
In the two FIRs, Singh has been accused of touching women athletes inappropriately on the pretext of checking their breath, groping them, asking inappropriate personal questions, and demanding sexual favours. — IANS
