The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Uttar Pradesh): In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha constituency finds itself at the center of a political storm as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the wrestlers’ protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The six-time BJP MP, once considered a formidable force in the region, now faces serious allegations of sexual harassment. However, as his son Karan Bhushan Singh steps into the electoral fray, banking on his father’s legacy and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the undercurrents of discontent against the influential Thakur leader seem to be overshadowed by unwavering support from his loyal voter base.
The streets of Kaiserganj, a bustling town in Gonda district, are abuzz with political chatter as the election draws near. Sunil Kumar Singh, a local farmer and shopkeeper in Colonelganj, passionately defends Brij Bhushan, stating, “Ram Mandir se badhiya kisine koi kaam nahi (no one has done anything better than to construct the Ram Temple). Modi is the country’s vikaspurush, he has made India shine abroad. Brij Bhushan has been a key part of the Mandir andolan. We have been seeing him since we were children. All these allegations against him are false.” This sentiment is echoed by many in the constituency, where Thakurs and Brahmins form a significant portion of the electorate, and the belief in Brij Bhushan’s innocence runs deep.
The Delhi court’s decision to frame charges against Brij Bhushan for sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and assault has done little to dent his support base. Raghav Mishra, a resident of Kaiserganj, dismisses the allegations as baseless, claiming, “There is a conspiracy to finish Singh politically, but he is a true warrior and will come out unscathed.” Surprisingly, some women from the constituency have even suggested that Brij Bhushan had no need to sexually assault female wrestlers when he could have had “more attractive” women at his disposal, further highlighting the deep-rooted belief in his innocence among his supporters.
Brij Bhushan’s dominance in Kaiserganj is so pervasive that few dare to speak against him openly. His defiance of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and open criticism of the BJP’s top brass has only added to his aura of invincibility. “My leader is Narendra Modi… no one else,” he declared recently, skipping Adityanath’s election rally and denouncing the CM’s “bulldozer politics.” Brij Bhushan’s love for the Muslim community, which forms around 24 percent of the electorate, is also well-known, as he frequently visits their homes during festivals and claims not to believe in Hindu-Muslim politics, further cementing his popularity among the minority community.
For Brij Bhushan, the stakes are high in this election. A loss could prove politically fatal, given the Delhi police’s chargesheet against him in the sexual assault case. However, his perceived invincibility in Kaiserganj and his indispensability to the BJP have shielded him from any action by the party, despite sharp criticism from various quarters. With a strong support base across Gonda, Bahraich, Balrampur, Shravasti, and Ayodhya districts, Brij Bhushan’s electoral prowess is not dependent on the party, and he makes no attempt to hide it.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has fielded Bhagat Ram Mishra, a Brahmin, in an attempt to garner support from the community, while the BSP has nominated another Brahmin, Narendra Pandey. However, local journalists suggest that the real fight is between the BJP and SP, with the BSP expected to secure its traditional Dalit votes. Interestingly, only four candidates are in the fray, including an independent, further simplifying the electoral equation in the constituency.
As Kaiserganj gears up for the polls on May 20, the impact of the wrestlers’ protest and the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan remains minimal. The timeline of events, from the initial accusations in January 2023 to the Delhi court’s decision to frame charges in May 2024, has done little to sway public opinion in the constituency. The sentiments expressed by local leaders and residents paint a picture of a deeply divided society, where caste loyalties and political affiliations often trump concerns about women’s safety and justice.
Deepender Singh Hooda, the Congress candidate from Rohtak, Haryana, laments, “The allegations of sexual harassment of women wrestlers have pained all sections of society. The people’s court, the highest court in a democratic set-up, will pronounce its verdict through votes on May 25.” However, the ground reality in Kaiserganj suggests that the wrestlers’ protest may have little bearing on the electoral outcome, as the voters remain largely unfazed by the charges against Brij Bhushan.
BJP spokesperson Neha Dhawan maintains that the law is taking its course in the case against Brij Bhushan and that the party will take action if the courts convict him. Meanwhile, Anup Dahiya, a Dronacharya awardee wrestling coach and INLD candidate from Sonepat, Haryana, argues that the people are angry with the BJP’s handling of the sensitive issue of female wrestlers and that the party will pay a heavy price in the Lok Sabha election. However, these voices of dissent seem to be drowned out by the overwhelming support for Brij Bhushan in his bastion.
The political landscape of Kaiserganj is further complicated by the caste dynamics at play. The Thakur community, to which Brij Bhushan belongs, holds significant sway in the region, and their unwavering support for the BJP strongman is evident. The Brahmins, another influential community, are being courted by both the SP and BSP, but their impact on the electoral outcome remains to be seen. The Muslim community, despite Brij Bhushan’s overtures, may find itself in a difficult position, torn between their traditional political allegiances and the desire for change.
As the nation watches the unfolding of the wrestlers’ protest and the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the voters of Kaiserganj seem to have their minds set on other matters. The influence of the BJP strongman, his son’s electoral debut, and the caste dynamics at play appear to overshadow the concerns raised by the protesting athletes. The question remains whether the courts will deliver justice and how the BJP will navigate this sensitive issue in the long run.
In the meantime, Brij Bhushan continues to rule the roost in Kaiserganj, his dominance unshaken by the allegations against him. His rallies draw huge crowds, and his supporters remain vocal in their defense of their leader. The political landscape of the constituency remains deeply entrenched in traditional loyalties and power structures, making it difficult for any external factors, even those as significant as the wrestlers’ protest, to penetrate and influence the electoral outcome.
As the election day draws closer, the people of Kaiserganj find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the age-old question of whether to prioritize their local interests and loyalties or to consider the larger issues of justice and accountability. The outcome of this election may not only determine the political future of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his son but also serve as a litmus test for the evolving nature of Indian politics and the role of public opinion in shaping the country’s future.
With input from agencies.