Several prominent figures in India’s wrestling community, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat, have been doing Dharna since April 23 at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. They are protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, who has been accused of sexual harassment by several women wrestlers, including a minor.
However, on April 29 when Aaj Tak anchor Sweta Singh arrived at the site and allegedly started pressuring people to praise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This reportedly led to an angry response from the crowd, with some shouting ‘Godi media Murdabad’. A video of the incident is viral on social media.
Also read: “Are You Afraid of System?”: Vinesh Phogat Slams Cricketers and Athletes for Silence on Protest
Social media users quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the incident. One user wrote, “Godi anchor Shweta Singh humiliated by the protestors at Jantar Mantar. ‘Godi Media Murdabad’ slogans raised.” Another user tweeted, “Wrestler protesters shouted ‘Godi media, Murdabad’ when Aaj Tak anchor Shweta Singh reached there.”
Another user expressed his anger towards Indian media’s perceived bias, saying, “Indian media has been working like a puppet of BJP GOVT since ages. Now the people have openly started raising GODI MEDIA MURDABAD slogans to register their anger and hate for the Slaves of BJP.”
The incident highlights the growing tension between the Indian media and the public, who feel that the media is biased towards the ruling party. Some Twitter users celebrated the protesters’ rejection of what they saw as media manipulation. Another user wrote, “Slogans of ‘Godi Media Murdabad’ raised by the protestors at Jantar Mantar. First Anjana Om Kashyap and now this chip wali aunty Shweta has been insulted by the public. Godi media is no longer able to show its face to the public!”
On the other hand, the Delhi Police have announced that they will register an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following complaints from female wrestlers about his alleged sexual harassment. The decision has been widely welcomed by those supporting the protesters.