Modi once again failed India’s daughters

The quest for justice often feels like an uphill battle for victims of harassment and abuse, as highlighted by Vinesh Phogat amid the women wrestlers’ protest against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India president.

The nomination of Karan Singh, Brij Bhushan’s younger son, for the Kaiserganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh, where his father enjoyed consecutive victories between 2009 and 2019, underscores the persistence of systemic injustices.

Despite repeated calls for accountability, electoral considerations seem to eclipse the pursuit of justice.

The decision to replace Brij Bhushan with his son appears more as a symbolic gesture, failing to address the serious allegations made by the wrestlers.

This is particularly ironic given the government’s purported emphasis on women’s empowerment and its aversion to dynastic politics.

Brij Bhushan’s continued political influence despite facing allegations of harassment exemplifies the culture of impunity that shields powerful men from accountability.

Despite facing scrutiny, his grip on India’s wrestling federation remains firm, with his aide assuming office even after a year of protests. Brij Bhushan’s influence is palpable in districts like Gonda, Shravasti, Ayodhya, Balrampur, and Bahraich, where he commands significant political clout.

Even before his son’s candidature was announced, Brij Bhushan, a six-term MP, had initiated electoral campaigns, indicating a strategic move to maintain his political stronghold within the Thakur community, which constitutes about seven per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s population.

The protests by women wrestlers last year left indelible images: Sakshi Malik and Vinesh and Sangeeta Phogat struggling against police restraint during their march to the Parliament building.

These incidents underscore the pervasive male privilege that shields individuals like Singh and JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, accused of sexual abuse, from accountability.

Despite women’s growing influence as a key demographic in politics and legislative measures aimed at promoting gender equality, patriarchal attitudes persist, viewing women as beneficiaries rather than equals.

Against this backdrop, the nomination of Karan Bhushan Singh represents a glaring failure to address systemic issues, marking a moral setback in the pursuit of justice and equality.

The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within the political landscape to dismantle entrenched power structures and ensure genuine accountability.

The nomination of Karan Singh perpetuates a cycle of impunity, where individuals accused of misconduct can evade consequences through familial connections and political maneuvering.

This perpetuates a culture where victims are silenced, and wrongdoers remain unchecked, eroding public trust in the justice system.

As calls for accountability grow louder, it is imperative for authorities to heed the voices of victims and take decisive action to uphold the principles of justice and equality for all.

Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a disservice to the pursuit of a fair and just society.