Shama Mohamed shares Kangana Ranaut's old tweet bashing Rohit Sharma; Questions BJP's silence on it
New Delhi: Congress leader Shama Mohamed has responded to criticism over her now-deleted post fat-shaming Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma. Facing backlash from BJP leaders, Mohamed pointed to an old tweet by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, in which Ranaut used derogatory language against Sharma over his stance on the farmers' protest.
Shama questioned Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s silence on Ranaut’s past remarks. In 2021, during the height of the farmers’ protests, Rohit Sharma had posted about the importance of farmers and the need for a solution. In response, Ranaut tweeted: “Why all these cricketers sounding like dhobi ka kutta na ghar ka na ghat ka. Why would farmers be against laws that are revolutionary for their well-being? These are terrorists who are causing ruckus… say that na itna darr lagta hai?”
Taking a dig at Mandaviya, Shama shared a screenshot of Ranaut’s now-deleted tweet and wrote: “What does @mansukhmandviya have to say to @KanganaTeam! #JustAsking.”
Mandaviya had earlier condemned Shama’s comments about Sharma's fitness, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, the Congress distanced itself from Shama’s comments. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera stated that her views did not reflect the party’s position, reaffirming that “The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy.”
Shama deleted her post and clarified that her comment was a “generic tweet” about the fitness of a sportsperson rather than an attempt at body-shaming.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
