Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohamed recently found herself at the center of a heated controversy following her remarks about Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness. The political row escalated after she referred to the cricketer as “fat” and questioned his capabilities as a captain. The comments drew sharp criticism from political leaders, sports enthusiasts, and netizens alike, leading to widespread backlash.
Shama Mohamed’s Remarks
The controversy began when Shama Mohamed posted on social media, stating that “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!” The now-deleted post quickly went viral, triggering outrage among cricket fans and BJP leaders. In a follow-up post, she further compared Rohit Sharma to former Indian cricket captains, suggesting that he is a “mediocre player who got lucky to be the captain of India.”
Her remarks sparked a wave of criticism, with many accusing her of body-shaming the cricketer and undermining his contributions to Indian cricket. The comments particularly drew flak from the cricket fraternity and sports enthusiasts, who pointed out Rohit Sharma’s consistent performances and leadership achievements.
BJP’s Reaction and Congress’ Distance
The backlash prompted swift reactions from BJP leaders, including Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who condemned the remarks. He stated, “Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives. Remarks made by leaders from these parties, indulging in body shaming and questioning an athlete’s place in the team, are not only deeply shameful but also outright pathetic.”
Faced with mounting criticism, the Congress party distanced itself from Shama Mohamed’s remarks and instructed her to take down the controversial posts. The party clarified that her comments were personal opinions and did not reflect the official stance of Congress.
Shama Mohamed Hits Back with Kangana Ranaut’s Old Post
In response to the backlash, Shama Mohamed attempted to turn the tables by sharing an old post by Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. The post, dating back to 2021 during the farmers’ protest, shows Kangana allegedly using derogatory language against cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, for supporting the farmers’ cause.
Shama Mohamed captioned the screenshot, “What does @mansukhmandviya have to say to @KanganaTeam! #JustAsking”—implying that BJP leaders were selective in their outrage and remained silent when their own party members made controversial remarks about cricketers.
However, the authenticity of the post shared by Shama Mohamed has not been independently verified, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.
Public Outrage and Reactions
The controversy has ignited a social media storm, with netizens expressing mixed reactions. While many criticized Shama Mohamed for body-shaming Rohit Sharma, others pointed out the hypocrisy in BJP leaders’ selective outrage. The debate also reignited discussions on the importance of respecting sportspersons and the fine line between personal opinions and public figures’ responsibilities.
Several cricketers and sports personalities came forward in support of Rohit Sharma, emphasizing the hard work, discipline, and dedication required to compete at the highest level. Many users also highlighted Rohit Sharma’s achievements as one of India’s most successful cricketers, both as a player and a captain.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Shama Mohamed’s remarks on Rohit Sharma’s fitness underscores the growing intersection between politics and sports. While public figures are entitled to their opinions, the incident highlights the need for responsible use of social media platforms and the importance of maintaining respect for sportspersons.
As the debate rages on, both political parties and their representatives must exercise caution in their statements, especially when it comes to athletes who dedicate their lives to representing the nation on the global stage. Whether Shama Mohamed’s attempt to divert attention with Kangana Ranaut’s old post will resonate with the public remains to be seen, but the incident has undoubtedly sparked a broader conversation about body shaming, political hypocrisy, and the treatment of sportspersons in the public sphere.