New Delhi: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday lashed out at Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed for questioning India captain Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and fitness levels, terming it “deeply shameful” and “outright pathetic.”
Her remarks came after Rohit was dismissed for 15 runs off 17 balls during India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on Sunday.
Training his gun on the Congress spokesperson, Mandaviya wrote on ‘X’, “Congress and TMC should leave sports persons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives.”
“Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives,” Mandaviya posted on X, adding, “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”.
The Union minister further pointed out that such comments undermine the hard work and sacrifices that sportspersons make to represent the country on the global stage.
After Mohamed’s post went viral, the BJP swiftly condemned her remarks, accusing Congress of “body-shaming” and disrespecting a World Cup winner. BJP leader Radhika Khera, who broke ties with the Congress and joined the BJP last year, accused her former party of having “humiliated athletes for decades”.
While the Congress party distanced itself from Shama Mohamed’s statement, saying it was her personal view, the TMC has not yet reacted to party MP Saugata Roy’s remarks.
“The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy,” Congress leader Pawan Khera said.
Meanwhile, BCCI Vice President and Congress leader Rajeev Shukla responded to the controversy over Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s remark on Rohit Sharma, clarifying that her views were personal and not representative of the party. He emphasised that Rohit is fit, performing well, and leading the team successfully, calling him a great player.
Earlier on Monday, Shama Mohamed in a social media post, which was later deleted, said, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!”
As the post triggered widespread backlash, the party quickly intervened, asking her to delete it.
Saugata Roy echoed the Congress spokesperson, saying that Rohit Sharma should not be the captain of the Indian cricket team, and he did not deserve a place in the side either.
