Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s comments on cricketer Rohit Sharma’s weight have sparked significant criticism, particularly from BJP leader Amit Malviya. Malviya condemned Mohamed’s remarks, stating that the party, which has lost “over 90 elections” under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, is now “body shaming” the captain of the Indian cricket team.
Malviya further accused the Congress party, especially in light of the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025.
“The Congress, which has suffered losses in over 90 elections under Rahul Gandhi’s guidance, is now engaging in body shaming against our national cricket captain, especially at a moment when our team is striving for the Champions Trophy! This is a calculated attempt to undermine the team’s spirit at a critical time. Their contempt for our icons is clear. They resent a confident India,” Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter).
What did Shama Mohamed say about Rohit Sharma?
In her post on X, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed stated that Rohit Sharma needs to lose some weight.
“@ImRo45 is overweight for an athlete! Needs to shed some pounds! And of course the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!” she commented.
However, following the backlash, the Congress leader removed her post from her X account.
Regarding her comments, Shama Mohamed told ANI that it was merely a “generic” statement about an athlete’s fitness.
“It was not body-shaming. I have always believed that sportspeople should maintain fitness, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I tweeted my thoughts. I have been unfairly attacked. When I compared him with former captains, I provided a statement. I have the right to express my opinion. What is wrong with that? We live in a democracy,” she stated.
The Congress party has distanced itself from Shama Mohamed’s comments. Congress leader Pawan Khera shared on X that Mohamed’s remarks do not represent the party’s stance.
“Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made some remarks about a cricketing icon that do not reflect the party’s views. She has been instructed to delete the related social media posts from X and has been advised to exercise more caution moving forward,” Khera stated.
“The Indian National Congress highly values the contributions of sports icons and does not support any statements that undermine their legacy,” he added.
BJP leaders Criticize Shama Mohamed
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also joined the criticism of Congress, referencing the party’s “lost 90 elections under Rahul Gandhi” comment.
“Those who have suffered 90 election defeats under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi are now criticizing Rohit Sharma’s captaincy! I suppose 6 ducks in Delhi and 90 election losses are impressive, but winning the T20 World Cup isn’t! Rohit has an excellent record as captain!” Poonawalla wrote on X.
BJP leader Radhika Khera remarked that it is the Congress party that has belittled athletes for decades, failing to recognize their achievements, and now dares to ridicule a cricketing icon.
“The party that flourishes on nepotism is admonishing a self-made champion? Your leader, Rahul Gandhi, can’t even steer his own party without leading it to ruin! Jairam Ramesh, instead of your team hurling cheap insults at a man who has brought pride to India, you and your spokespersons should concentrate on the actual ‘weight’ your party is shedding—relevance, credibility, and electoral success! Congress should focus on its own failing dynasty before taking jabs at India’s pride!” she posted on X.
