Register statements in WFI sexual harassment case, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to protesting wrestlers

“Nobody has stopped you (from protesting) at the place given to you. Some days ago, a candle march also happened. It happened since it got permission. Nobody has ever stopped you. (Since) The Delhi Police have stated before the Supreme Court that FIRs were registered and investigations were on, all (wrestlers) should get their statements registered. Once the investigations are over, appropriate action will also be taken,” Thakur replied.

Thakur lashed out at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), claiming the next general election would be the last nail in its coffin. He was replying to a question seeking his reaction on RJD allegedly comparing the new parliament building with a coffin.

“Some political parties; mindset itself is full of corruption. Those whose times were filled with corruption, who did not refrain from eating fodder meant for animals, and those facing cases of corruption, their future lies in the same coffin that they have shown. People will not let your account open. Next elections will be the last nail in their coffin,” Thakur said.

The union minister took a potshot at the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi without naming either of them when asked to comment on opposition allegations that sadhu-sants were invited to inaugurate the new Parliament building instead of the chief Opposition party.

Thakur said, “An all-religion prayer was held there (at the Parliament inauguration). And that uncovers the lie of the Opposition. All the Opposition parties of the country and all the parliamentarians were invited. Chief ministers were invited.”

“Some people are prohibited from being a member of Parliament…Earlier, they used to find excuses to stall the Parliament. Now, they are boycotting it. The people of the country are watching everything. These are the same people who were known for corruption. The people will never forgive them,” he added.

Thakur, in a comment seemingly aimed at the disqualified MP Rahul Gandhi, said, “This (Parliament inauguration) was a chance for them. They could have seen the (new) Parliament under this pretext (of inauguration).”

Reacting to a comment by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on rising inflation under the BJP rule in the country, Thakur said, “I openly challenge Kharge ji; check figures of the entire world. In countries like America and countries in Europe, where there was never inflation, inflation has increased manifold. Compared to those countries, India has maintained much control over inflation. During the Congress’s rule, there was no global recession, yet the inflation rate was 12 to 14 per cent. In their times, banks were on the verge of getting shut down, and inflation and corruption were at their peak. Then Congress did not have an answer.”