WFI Elections finally scheduled for August 12; Maharashtra disqualified from participation

The long-awaited Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections will finally take place on August 12. However, Maharashtra will not be part of the poll process since both rival factions from the state have been deemed ineligible for participation, according to Returning Officer Justice MM Kumar.

Initially scheduled for July 6, the elections faced delays and were later rescheduled for July 11 after disaffiliated state bodies from Maharashtra, Haryana, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh sought a hearing, contesting their dismissal.

Although the panel heard the grievances of the state bodies, the polls could not proceed on July 11 as the Gauhati High Court stayed the elections after the Assam Wrestling Association (AWA) demanded the right to participate.

However, the Supreme Court intervened, staying the Gauhati High Court order and clearing the way for elections on August 12.

The electoral college will comprise 48 members with voting rights from 24 state bodies, and nominations for posts will be filed on August 1. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on August 7, and a final list of candidates will be published on the same day. If required, the voting process will occur on August 12.

The Sports Ministry previously ordered the suspension of all WFI activities and appointed an oversight committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment by former WFI President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been granted bail in the case.

As per Sports Code guidelines, Brij Bhushan, having served 12 years as president, is ineligible to contest the elections. Whether his son Karan, who heads the UP Wrestling Association, will participate in the elections, remains to be seen.

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