Brij Bhushan Singh Flexes Muscle in Turf Kaiserganj as BJP Keeps Seat on Hold, Court Reserves Order

A source close to Brij Bhushan Singh said he is confident of getting the ticket and has begun campaigning as the polling date is on May 20. (News18)

Facing allegations of sexual abuse from female wrestlers, an issue that saw the BJP on the back foot, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief has refused to back down

The Kaiserganj seat may be on hold in the BJP list for Uttar Pradesh but sitting MP Brij Bhushan Singh has hit the campaign trail in his seat over the last three days, sending out a message of ‘show of strength’ and confidence that he will be getting the ticket.

Facing allegations of sexual abuse from female wrestlers, an issue that saw the BJP on the back foot, Singh has refused to back down.

From April 8, he started his campaign in Kaiserganj with a massive road show in which he was welcomed by people at multiple points. Singh has continued this “Jansampark” over April 9 and 10 as well, touring various assembly seats falling under the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat and asking people to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of “Abki Baar, 400 Paar” in 2024.

A source close to Singh said he is confident of getting the ticket and has begun campaigning as the polling date is on May 20. A message is also being sent by Singh by holding a series of public meetings and road shows in the last three days.

Kaiserganj polls in Phase 5 of the elections and nomination would start from April 26. BJP has, however, so far not declared its candidate from Kaiserganj, a seat that Singh has now represented for three continuous terms since 2009.

In his latest statement, Singh had said he knows that his party “loves” him but the wait continues as the party seems to be calculating its next move on Kaiserganj.

Sources say BJP may be waiting for a court decision in the case against Singh in the women wrestlers’ matter. Last week, a Delhi court had reserved its order on framing of charges against Singh, who is also the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. The police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Singh, a six-time MP, last year under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation).

Will Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh contest as an independent from Kaiserganj if BJP denies him a ticket? Stakes are high in the seat as both BJP and Singh wait in anticipation.