Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 21: The Bengaluru Kambala Committee president and Congress MLA Ashok Rai Kodimbadi has opted not to extend an invitation to BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for the upcoming Kambala event in coastal Karnataka, following widespread criticism on social media regarding the initial decision to invite him.
The controversial Brij Bhushan, accused of rape and sexual harassment of women wrestlers, including minors, had initially received an invitation to the Bengaluru Kambala event scheduled on November 25 and 26, sparking outrage on various platforms.
After facing severe backlash for the oversight, the Bengaluru Kambala Committee has finally reversed its decision to invite BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Additionally, at the last minute, Committee President Ashok Rai Kodimbadi has decided to reprint the invitation cards, excluding Singh's name.
In an interaction with reporters, MLA Ashok Rai clarified, "Kambala is a sport, and this is a significant event. Different organizations make various requests. Puneeth Rajkumar's fans requested to name the stage after the actor, and Siddhi community members asked to invite Brij Bhushan. However, despite his name being printed on the invitation, the MP had communicated earlier that he would not attend the program. We will also edit the invitation accordingly."
Continuing his statement, MLA Ashok Rai emphasized, "Kambala is an event for all. Members from both Congress and BJP will be present at the event, irrespective of party positions and differences. Such blunders can occur during the organization of non-partisan events."
The decision to exclude Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from the event comes in light of the serious allegations of sexual harassment against the BJP MP. Wrestlers at the international level had staged protests in New Delhi, accusing Singh of sexually harassing seven female wrestlers, including minors. Despite registering a case at the police station, protesters alleged that no FIR was filed, and no action was taken.
Renowned wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik participated in the protest, highlighting the need for accountability in such cases.