BJP’s Brij Bhushan accused of sexual harassment by wrestlers, may not run for elections: sources

The BJP has announced Karan Bhushan Singh as its candidate from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj, putting an end to speculation surrounding the high-profile MP from the area. Additionally, the party named Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate from Rae Bareli, a Congress stronghold. However, the Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the prestige seat previously held by Sonia Gandhi.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a six-time MP, faced political setbacks due to sexual harassment allegations, leading to protests by top wrestlers. Despite this, the BJP recognized his political influence in the area and has chosen his son as his replacement. BJP sources mentioned that the party leadership had discussed the issue with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was insistent on contesting the election.

His elder son, Pratik Bhushan Singh, is an MLA. Karan Bhushan Singh, the chosen candidate, currently heads the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body. Kaiserganj is set to vote on May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election, and the nomination filing deadline is imminent.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who served as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India for over a decade, faced allegations of sexual harassment from top wrestlers and the case is pending before a Delhi court. He had denied the accusations. Last month, he attributed the delay in announcing the party’s Kaiserganj candidate to the media.

Overall, the BJP went ahead with Karan Bhushan Singh as the candidate from Kaiserganj and Dinesh Pratap Singh from Rae Bareli, while the Congress is yet to declare its candidate for the prestigious seat.