The Congress on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over the allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation levelled by India’s top wrestlers against coaches and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who happens to be a BJP parliamentarian.

“The biggest issue is the silence of the Prime Minister. When one of the most decorated athletes of India, (wrestler) Vinesh Phogat, is on record saying she had briefed the Prime Minister along with her family in October 2021, what did Modi do?” party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said.

“Why did he not speak? Why did he not have an inquiry done? Was Brij Bhushan Singh summoned?” Shrinate was briefing the media along with two sports personalities — discus thrower Krishna Poonia and boxer Vijender Singh. Both Poonia and Singh expressed anguish at the allegations and demanded tough action.

“What can be more distressing than Vinesh Phogat saying nobody should be born as a girl in this country?” Poonia said. “Why didn’t the Prime Minister act when he knew what was happening for one year?”

Vijender said: “The Prime Minister’s silence is shameful.” Shrinate added: “Imagine what the parents who send their daughters into sports must be feeling. So many wrestlers are saying they suffered exploitation. Why are BJP woman MPs silent? Why is the women and child (development) minister Smriti Irani silent?

“The daughters who brought fame and laurels to the country are sitting in protest for three days, they are crying. But nobody from the BJP and the government has condemned the Wrestling Federation of India.”

The Congress had on Thursday demanded a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe into the allegations.