BJP MP censured for slapping wrestler on stage; netizens call it 'arrogance of power'

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh made headlines on Saturday for his shocking behaviour towards a young wrestler during the Under-15 National Wrestling Championship in Ranchi. In a video that has been doing rounds on social media, the Kaiserganj MP was seen slapping an overage wrestler on stage after he insisted on participating in the championship.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was attending the competition as chief guest, lost his temper after the wrestler forced himself on the stage despite being asked not to. The incident took place during the Under-15 National Wrestling Championship at Ranchi's Shaheed Fanpat Rai Indoor Stadium.

The wrestler, belonging to Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly stopped from partaking in the competition as he was above the 15 year age limit. When the BJP MP arrived on the stage, the wrestler began to argue with him and refused to get off the stage. The WFI then-president lost his cool and smacked him.

Many wrestlers from other states including UP expressed strong protests and demanded an apology from the WFI president. However, Jharkhand Wrestling Association president Bholanath Singh and other members in attendance rushed to the stage and pacified Singh.  

Netizens slam 'arrogant' BJP MP for slapping wrestler

The video however evoked a strong response from netizens who said that the MP's behaviour was uncalled for. Many Twitter users called out the leader for his 'arrogance of power.' One user wrote, "Can public servants manhandle a common man? What kind of message is the BJP sending to the country?"

Image: Republic