Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed's inflammatory comments on cricketer Rohit Sharma during the India-New Zealand Champions Trophy match on Sunday set the social media abuzz.
The outrage over her comments, however, continues to mount, with political leaders and members of the sports community coming down on her.
During the game, Mohamed used X and posted an unfavorable remark regarding the Indian captain, describing him as a "fat sportsman" and saying he ought to lose some weight. She went on to berate his captaincy, describing him as "the most unimpressive captain India has ever had."
Her comments, fat-shaming as they were reportedly perceived to have been, to the iconic cricketer earned her sharp backlash from all sections. As a controversy brewed about it, BJP joined the fracas, blaming the Congress party for the tirade against Rohit Sharma.
BJP spokesman Pradeep Bhandari lashed out at the statement, alleging Congress disrespected one of India's greatest cricketers. He also had a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Shame on Congress! Now they are after the Indian Cricket Captain! Do they think Rahul Gandhi can play cricket after not doing well in Indian politics?"
Bhandari went on to say that the comments were an "insult to every patriot who stands by Team India through thick and thin," and challenged the Congress party's position on the matter.
Under increasing pressure, Mohamed finally removed her social media tweet regarding the Indian skipper.
Meanwhile, the controversy put the Congress on the back foot, with even its allies coming out to dissociate themselves from the statement. Shiv Sena (UBT), a central ally of the INDIA alliance, stood with Rohit Sharma.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi lent her weight in support of the cricketer, reinforcing the point that achievements outweigh looks. "Not much of a cricket fan but with my negligible interest too I could say this Rohit Sharma—is with extra weight or otherwise—he has brought Team India unprecedented victory. Let us talk of performance and effort alone. Get the trophy, Champion!" she posted on X.
Rohit Sharma, who became Team India's skipper in 2023, has already won major triumphs, such as the T20 World Cup victory last year and two Asia Cup titles. He also has a fine IPL record to his credit, having guided the Mumbai Indians to five title victories.
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