Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday slammed the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after two of their leaders fat-shamed India cricket captain Rohit Sharma, asking them to leave sportspersons alone.
The Sports Minister's sharp rebuke came hours after Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed called Rohit Sharma "fat for a sportsperson" and the "most unimpressive" captain in India's history. TMC's Saugata Roy followed suit and supported Mohamed, saying Rohit Sharma should not be the captain, and he does not deserve a place in the side.
"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.
Source: India Today