New Delhi (National Times): Congress national spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed has sparked controversy with her remarks about Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness and leadership. In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), she described Sharma as “fat” and called him “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.”
Political Reactions and Criticism
Her comments were met with widespread criticism, particularly from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a dig at the Congress party, stating, “Those who have lost 90 elections under the captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling Rohit Sharma’s captaincy unimpressive!”
Congress Distances Itself
In response to the growing backlash, the Congress party distanced itself from Mohamed’s remarks. Party leader Pawan Khera clarified that her comments did not reflect the party’s official stance. He stated that Mohamed was asked to delete the tweet and emphasized that the Congress party respects the contributions of sporting legends and does not endorse statements that undermine their legacy.
Dr. Shama Mohamed’s Defense
Following the controversy, Dr. Shama Mohamed defended her remarks, asserting that her tweet was a “generic” comment about an athlete’s fitness rather than an attempt at body-shaming. She further explained that she believes sportspersons should maintain peak physical fitness levels.
The incident has fueled debates on social media regarding the intersection of politics and sports, with many arguing for greater sensitivity when discussing public figures. The controversy also highlights the growing scrutiny faced by politicians over their statements on social media platforms.
