Cong leader faces backlash over remarks on Indian skipper Rohit

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed came under fire for her comments on Team India’s captain Rohit Sharma, triggering a massive political controversy. The backlash, which erupted on social media and from political quarters, led Mohamed to delete her post on the social media.

Mohamed took to X during India’s Champions Trophy final Group A match against New Zealand and wrote that “Sharma is fat for a sportsman” and “needs to lose weight”, further calling him “the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had”. Her comments were widely condemned with critics accusing her of body-shaming the cricketer. The BJP swiftly attacked the Congress over the statement, alleging that the party was undermining a national hero.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised the remarks, questioning whether the Congress now expects Rahul Gandhi to play cricket. “Shame on Congress! Now they are going after the Indian Cricket team captain! Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to now play cricket after failing in Indian politics?” he said.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the remarks “shameful” and accused Congress of disrespecting the leader of India’s most celebrated sports team. “This is the official stand of the Congress. Their mindset has become very cheap,” he alleged.

BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah also condemned the remarks, saying, “No one should comment on anyone’s weight. Rohit Sharma has brought pride to the country. Making such remarks about a player like him is disgraceful.”

Bhandari further escalated the attack, alleging that the Congress consistently opposes those who contribute to India’s success. “The Congress is sending a message that every patriot who does good for the country will be opposed by them,” he said, adding that Sharma’s leadership in defeating New Zealand was being unfairly criticsised.

Amid mounting criticism, Mohamed deleted her post, but the controversy continued to fuel a war of words, with the BJP using the episode to question the Congress’ stance on national pride and sportsmanship.