Shama Mohamed clarifies Rohit Sharma remarks, deletes post

Congress leader Shama Mohamed sparked controversy by calling Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma “overweight” on X (formerly Twitter). Facing backlash from the BJP, the Congress party asked her to delete the posts. Party leader Pawan Khera confirmed the decision and urged her to be more cautious in the future.

Shama defended her comments, saying she spoke in a “generic manner” about a sportsperson’s fitness. “It was not body-shaming,” she told ANI. “I believe athletes should be fit. I felt he was a bit overweight, so I tweeted about it. I compared him with previous captains and expressed my opinion in a democracy.”

Her remarks followed Sharma’s dismissal after scoring 15 runs off 17 balls in India’s ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand. India won by 44 runs, but Shama still criticized Sharma’s fitness and leadership. In a now-deleted post, she wrote, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!”

She continued her attack in another post, questioning Sharma’s credentials. “What is so world-class about him compared to his predecessors? He is a mediocre captain and player who got lucky to lead India,” she wrote.

Congress quickly distanced itself from her remarks. Khera stated that her opinions did not reflect the party’s stance. “The Indian National Congress respects legendary sports figures and does not endorse statements that undermine their legacy,” he said.

The BJP seized the opportunity to attack Congress. Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla mocked the party, saying, “Those who lost 90 elections under Rahul Gandhi’s captaincy are calling Rohit Sharma unimpressive!” He defended Sharma’s leadership, adding, “Six ducks in Delhi and 90 election losses are impressive, but winning the T20 World Cup isn’t?”

BJP leader Radhika Khera also criticized Congress. “The sheer audacity! This party humiliated athletes for decades and now mocks a cricketing legend?” she said. “Rohit Sharma is a World Cup-winning captain. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi can’t even captain his own party without crashing it!”

The controversy highlights the political divide over sports figures and free speech. While Shama claims her comments were about fitness, critics argue they were unnecessary and disrespectful. Congress acted swiftly to avoid further backlash, but the BJP made sure to keep the debate alive.