New Delhi, March 3 – The Congress party on Monday strongly reprimanded its national spokesperson Shama Mohamed following backlash over her controversial remarks fat-shaming Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma. The party swiftly directed Mohamed to delete her social media posts and advised greater caution in future statements.
Mohamed's controversial comments, shared late Sunday night on X (formerly Twitter), ignited widespread criticism, notably amid the Indian cricket team's impressive undefeated streak at the ongoing Champions Trophy.
In her now-removed post, Mohamed labeled Sharma as "fat for a sportsman," adding that he "needs to lose weight." She further described Sharma as the "most unimpressive Captain India has ever had." Mohamed also questioned Sharma's stature in comparison to iconic predecessors like Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev, and Ravi Shastri.
The backlash prompted immediate clarification from Congress, distancing itself from Mohamed's views. Pawan Khera, the head of the Congress' media and publicity department, issued a statement asserting, "Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party's position." He emphasized that the Congress holds India's sporting legends in the highest regard and explicitly disapproved of any statements undermining their legacy.
BJP leaders swiftly condemned Mohamed’s statements. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla sarcastically hit back, referencing Rahul Gandhi’s electoral losses: "Those who have lost 90 elections under the captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling Rohit Sharma's captaincy unimpressive! I guess 6 ducks in Delhi and 90 election losses are impressive, but winning the T20 World Cup isn't! Rohit has a brilliant track record as captain!"
Delhi minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also criticized Mohamed’s remarks, describing them as indicative of the Congress' negative attitude toward national pride. "It is very shameful that an official spokesperson of the Congress is giving such a statement," Sirsa said, adding, "Today they are using abusive language against our country's cricket captain. It is really shameful and I condemn this. The entire nation is seeing the mentality of the Congress."
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi extended support to Sharma, highlighting his performance as captain. "Not an avid cricket fan; however, even with my limited interest in the game, I can say that Rohit Sharma—with extra pounds of weight or without—has led the Indian team to great heights. It is his work and commitment to it that matters. Win the trophy, Champion!" she remarked.
Mohamed's controversial posts have since been removed following the Congress' intervention. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny public figures face on social media, particularly concerning sensitive issues such as body shaming and respect for national icons.
