Lok Sabha discussion on Olympics: Hooda brings up wrestlers’ protests
Hooda says situation shouldn’t arise when players have to fight own govt: Rijiju says avoid raising federation fights
Congress MP Deepender S Hooda speaks in Lok Sabha. (Image source: PTI) A discussion in Lok Sabha on India’s preparedness for Paris Olympics took a political turn on Monday, after Congress MP Deepender Hooda brought up the issue of alleged sexual harassment by former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
While Hooda didn’t name Singh, he said a situation should not arise when players have to fight their own government and the system. He also mentioned how no one from the government responded when some medal winners had said that they would throw their medals in the Ganga.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who had earlier held charge of the sports ministry, intervened to say that members should avoid raising “federation fights” in the House.
The minister said there is bound to be politics in sports federations and such issues should not be raised in Parliament. Rijiju said no other government has done what PM Narendra Modi has done for sports.
The short discussion on ‘India’s preparedness for the upcoming Olympic games’ was included through a supplementary agenda.
When Speaker Om Birla asked the House to take up the discussion, RSP’s N K Premchandran questioned the timing and asked what suggestions could the House offer when the Indian team has already left for the Olympics beginning July 26. He alleged that the government is taking the House for granted, noting that supplementary agenda is issued to bring important legislative items.
The discussion was started by BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal, who said the opposition finds the discussion on sports irrelevant. He said the government has invested over Rs 400 crore for 16 disciplines and is making all-out efforts to ensure athletes get the best training and facilities. Based on the demand of players, the government is also hiring the best available coaches from across the world since 2014, he said.
Taking part in the discussion, Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Aazaad said: “I would like to ask the government what steps have been taken to increase participation from rural areas, and of SC/ST aspirants. How much amount has been allocated for this?… also, how many athletes will be from different categories…”
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