Congress found itself embarrassed after its National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed sparked controversy with her comments about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, labeling him “fat for an athlete” and the “least impressive” captain in India’s history.
Due to the post causing significant backlash, the party swiftly stepped in, requesting that she remove it. The post was subsequently removed.
“Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!” her now-deleted post read.
Her remarks sparked swift criticism, especially from BJP officials and cricket enthusiasts.
In response to a user referring to Sharma as a “world-class player,” Mohamed rejected the assertion, challenging his legacy in relation to Indian cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Kapil Dev.
“What makes him so world-class compared to those who came before him?” “He is an average captain and an average player who was fortunate to become India’s captain,” she stated.
The BJP quickly criticized Mohamed’s comments, alleging that Congress was “body-shaming” and showing disrespect to a World Cup champion. BJP leader Radhika Khera, who severed connections with Congress to join the BJP, charged her previous party with having “debased athletes for years”.
“This is the same Congress that has belittled athletes for years, refused to acknowledge them, and now has the audacity to ridicule a cricketing icon? The party that flourishes on favoritism is criticizing a self-built victor?” Khera stated.
Radhika Khera condemned Rahul Gandhi, arguing that while Rohit Sharma guided India to a World Cup win, the Congress leader failed to keep his own party stable and instead led it into chaos. She also took a jab at Jairam Ramesh, encouraging him to address the Congress party’s declining relevance, credibility, and electoral position rather than attacking a cricketer who has elevated India’s prestige.
Shama Mohamed clarified her comment, asserting that her tweet was a broad reflection on an athlete’s fitness instead of a case of body-shaming. “It did not involve body-shaming.” “I always thought an athlete should be in shape, and I perceived him as slightly overweight, so I just tweeted about it,” she remarked, defending herself against the backlash.
