Congress leader calls Rohit Sharma 'fat for a sportsman', 'most unimpressive captain'
Triggers outrage
Mumbai: Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has sparked controversy with her sharp criticism of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, calling him "fat for a sportsman" and labeling him "the most unimpressive captain India has ever had."
Her now-deleted post on X came after Sharma was dismissed for just 15 runs off 17 balls during India's match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy. She wrote, "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Needs to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had." She went on to call him a "mediocre captain and player" who got "lucky" to be India's captain.
The remarks triggered outrage across social media and political circles, with BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticising the Congress, stating, "Shame on Congress! Now they are going after the Indian cricket captain! Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to now play cricket after failing in Indian politics?"
BJP leader Radhika Khera also condemned Shama's comments, stating that Congress had a history of undermining athletes. “This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?” Khera wrote on X.
Following the backlash, Shama clarified that her tweet was a "generic" comment about a sportsperson's fitness rather than body-shaming. “It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming. I always believed a sportsperson should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that. I have the right. What is wrong in saying? It is a democracy,” she told news agency ANI.
In response to the controversy, the Congress party distanced itself from Shama’s remarks. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera issued a statement stating, "Dr Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party's position."
He emphasised 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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Will give suitable answer on L&O situation in Karnataka during winter session: Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that he will give a suitable response in the state legislature about the law and order situation in Karnataka, if the opposition raises the matter to target the government.
Opposition BJP has made it clear that the law and order situation will be among the main issues that it will raise during the winter session.
The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
"I will give a suitable answer (in the Assembly), if they (opposition raise), as to how the law and order situation is in Karnataka and in BJP-ruled states. Also, how law and order was there when the BJP was in power in the state, and how it is now with figures," Parameshwara said in response to a question.
ALSO READ: Indigo crisis: Shivakumar urges Centre to act immediately, bring situation under control
Speaking to reporters here, he said he is not saying that there have been no incidents in the state, but it has to be told as to how the situation was there during the BJP's rule and how it is now.
Asked about how the government will defend notorious criminals and a terror suspect allegedly enjoying preferential treatment inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, the home minister said, "When the majority of the incidents took place, which government was there? All this will be informed in the Assembly when the issue is raised."
Admitting that such incidents have occurred under the current government's tenure too, he said, appropriate action has also been taken against those involved and the officials responsible. "But, old videos were circulated and it was projected as it took place now. I will explain each incident," he added.
To a question on Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of "multiple murders, rapes and burials" in the temple town of Dharmasthala, Parameshwara said, he would inform the factual position to the legislature, if raised in the House.
"SIT has submitted the report to the court. They have also submitted it to the government. If the issue is raised, we will inform the house. Factual position has to be told. What is there to hide?"
Asked about his meeting with senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi, amid leadership speculation in the state, Parameshwara said, some time the meeting with Jarkiholi might be on work-related matters as he holds a major PWD portfolio, while sometime it will be for casual political discussions.
"What is there to hide in it? We have met in the past too," he added.
